Photo submitted to Times Observer Senior Spotlight: Warren Area High School senior Joe Greene. WAHS Guidance Counselor Lori Hahn is asking seniors — even with school shut down due to the coronavirus — to email forms and photos as soon as possible.

We’re all aware of how much students are being impacted by the school closure. Obviously, education is first and foremost. But high school seniors are missing out on memories they will never get back, possibly their last prom, or graduation ceremony.

WAHS Guidance Counselor Lori Hahn is the parent of a senior herself, so she’s well aware. She says little things mean a lot. She’s reminding her school’s 169 seniors to turn in their “Senior Spotlight” write-ups because, despite not being together, she’d still like to post them with senior photos on the Warren Area High School Facebook page.

“We came up with the idea before the shut down and now it is even more important as their senior year is ending like this,” said Hahn, who isn’t embarrassed to say she got the idea from General McLane High School. “We want to recognize every senior with a shout out on the Facebook page. There is a form for them to fill out… and then we ask for a picture. We are asking for basic info along with some memories and stories of their time at WAHS. Whether they are going to college, trade school, the military, work or even undecided, we want to recognize them.

“I don’t want the seniors to think we are just brushing the end of their senior year under the rug and moving on,” she said. “They worked hard for this.”

She’s already received a few.

“Nick Hussey will miss baseball bus rides.”

“Naomi Hahn will miss getting to represent WAHS at state cross country and track meets.”

“Joe Greene will miss having fun and hanging out with the educated youngsters.”

“Kylee Hennessy will miss cheering on the sidelines for Friday night football games with my girls. Her advice is to make the best memories now because before you know it, it’s over.”

“As we near the end of the school year, we are very proud of all of our seniors here at Warren Area High School,” according to a form about Senior Spotlight passed out to WAHS seniors before the shut down. “For the last four years, they have walked our hallways, sat in our classrooms, and played on our sports teams. They have left an everlasting memory on those who remain at WAHS. Now, we would like to now recognize them as they begin to transition to the next phase of their lives.”

The plan was to put a spotlight on seniors beginning in April, and that plan remains.

“Each day, the page will feature several different seniors as we shout from the roof top how proud we are of their future plans.”

Receive forms or send forms by emailing hahnla@wcsdpa.org as soon as possible, said Hahn. “Thank you and we miss you!”

Maybe not as formal, but a post on the Eisenhower Middle/Senior High School page reads, “If there’s a high school senior in your life, give them a hug and pray for them. To them, the cancellation of school is not a vacation. It’s wasted time they don’t get to spend with their friends the last few months before they graduate. They’re anxious, realizing they may never be able to take the field again with their best friends and hear their name called on senior night. They’re nervous that they may not be able to walk the stage and get the diploma they have been working hard on for 12 years. Show them support and love them during these hard times. #classof2020

“Everyone post a picture of your soon to be grad! — at Eisenhower Middle/High School (Facebook page).”