Stories COVID Portraits

Local high school seniors had their year cut short.

Here are some of their stories.

For the Times Herald, April 2020

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, schools throughout St. Clair County — and across the country — took to canceling sporting events and celebrations like prom and graduation, leaving many seniors without the opportunity to celebrate themselves.

This project was aimed at celebrating these seniors, at allowing them to tell their stories while also giving visual representation to the loneliness and isolation many were left feeling.

These are the stories of high school seniors from around St. Clair County.

Marissa Hayes, a senior at Port Huron Northern, poses for a photo in her prom dress Tuesday, April 21, 2020, in the doorway of her family's Port Huron home. Marissa spent her high school career being a part of the school's gymnastics and soccer teams and even made it to the state gymnastics competition. But the competition, as well as the school's soccer season, was canceled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. She plans to attend Grand Valley State University in the fall to study occupational therapy.

Riley Drinkwine, a Marine City High School senior, poses for a photo in her cap and gown Wednesday, April 22, 2020, on the front porch of her family's Marine City home. Riley said she was looking forward to graduation, where she was going to perform with the band and play her first solo on her saxophone. She also said she was excited about the cheer banquet, but both have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Next year, she plans to study criminal justice at Ferris State University.

Marysville senior Isabelle Roehring poses for a photo in her prom dress Friday, April 24, 2020, at her family's home in Marysville. Isabelle competed on the school's varsity swim team, and was accepted to Michigan State University's rowing team. She said she was most looking forward to going to prom with her friends, which has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Next year, Isabelle plans to attend MSU and study criminal justice.

Reilly Francek, a Marysville senior, stands for a portrait in her prom dress Friday, April 24, 2020, at her family’s home in Marysville. In addition to playing four years of varsity volleyball, Reilly was also student council president and ranked sixth in Marysville’s top 25 students. To celebrate the students, the school hosts a breakfast, which has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. “The year was cut short, but we still had a lot of events going,” she said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished this year.”

Port Huron senior Brieanna Hartzell poses for a photo in her prom dress Friday, April 24, 2020, on the porch of her family’s home in Kimball Township. In addition to being third in her graduating class, Breanna was also on the school’s varsity cheerleading team and participated in Key Club and Mental Health Club. She was looking forward to attending the Key Club and cheerleading banquets later this year, but they were both canceled. Breanna earned a full-ride scholarship to attend Eastern Michigan University next year, where she plans to study psychology.

Port Huron Northern senior Ethan Smith poses for a photo in his hockey jersey Friday, April 24, 2020, at his Port Huron home. Ethan, who was captain of the school's hockey team and also played lacrosse, helped to lead the team to two regional hockey finals for the first time in about five years. He was excited about attending the school's prom — which was going to be held on his 18th birthday — as well as graduation. Next year he plans to attend SC4, and hopes to play junior hockey in Frasier.

Cros-Lex senior Lily Connelly poses for a photo with her track shoes Monday, April 27, 2020, at her family’s Grant Township home. Last year, she made all-state at the state track finals in the 800-meter dash. She also helped lead her team to a come-from-behind victory in the 4x400 relay. This year, she was looking forward to breaking the school’s records in the 400- and 800-meter dashes, as well as trying for a regional championship and top five placement at the state competition. She will continue competing in basketball, cross country and track next year at SC4.

Izabella Hart, a senior in the St. Clair County TEC’s Cosmetology program at the Virtual Learning Academy, holds one of her senior photos while posing for a portrait Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at her home in Algonac. Izabella was a member of the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) group, as well as National Honor Society. She was looking forward to attending Marine City High School’s prom with her friend and boyfriend before it was canceled.

Brian Wells

Local high school seniors had their year cut short.

Here are some of their stories.

For the Times Herald, April 2020

Brian Wells is a designer, photographer, videographer and writer based in Lansing, Michigan.