Lyman Hall Seniors ‘Connect’ On Instagram During Coronavirus

WALLINGFORD, CT — Lyman Hall High School seniors, the Class of 2020, are connecting during the new coronavirus pandemic by creating a “Future Wall” on Instagram. The “Future Wall” evolved as many seniors started to inquire about their end of year traditions, including the annual senior prom and the senior outing, according to officials.

Although both events haven’t been formally postponed or canceled, Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive public safety orders are in place until May 20 and won’t be revisited until early May, which officials said have raised doubts and led to frustration. The “Future Wall” will also serve as a notification hub for “everything senior year” as important announcements and updates are received by the school administration.

The Instagram site is titled lhhs.classof2020 and is administered by the class officers as well as monitored by the senior faculty advisors.

“I’m happy that we could provide something positive for our seniors,” Class President Karla Lopez said in a news release. “The unfortunate reality is that we can’t be together, but I look forward to celebrating our accomplishments ‘virtually’ after four years together.”

Seniors send in an image of themselves, along with their plans for next year, whether it is a four-year college, trade school, enlisting, gap year, etc. The officers then construct a post dedicated to that senior, it is there where peers, parents, faculty, and graduates can post supportive messages to one another. The account is private but accessible to view by the administrators’ acceptance of a follow request.

The senior class officers are excited and proud of their idea to “connect” the Class of 2020.

“Many students began to approach us with ideas of how to bring the class together...and an Instagram page seemed to be the best way to spread positivity and hope during this pandemic,” Drew Benard, class vice president, said. “It has also proven to be a great way to report important announcements to the Lyman Hall class of 2020.”

Mariah Quintana, class secretary, said: “We wanted to make something positive come out of these difficult times. It’s really amazing seeing everyone congratulating each other and connecting amid social distancing. The site is an escape from all the chaos that’s going on in the world.”

Kyra Benzing Plourde, class treasurer, said: “I hope that through reminding the Class of 2020 that we are in this together, that we will have our days to celebrate, that just because our celebrations are different does not diminish the accomplishments we all worked for the past 10 years. I know nothing can make up for this lost time and memories, but standing together through it all is the bare minimum we can do.”

More than 50 of the 249 graduating seniors have taken part, so far. The account had 231 followers as of Monday. All students, parents, faculty and graduates are invited to follow and show their support.