COVID’s freshman class: Rappahannock County High School’s seniors graduate

Class of 2024 started high school when the pandemic began 

The class of 2024, whose entrance into Rappahannock County High School (RCHS) was defined by the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the irregularity that came with it, walked to the stage and collected their diplomas on Friday.

“I am incredibly proud of our senior class,” principal Carlos Seward said in an email. “Their journey through high school has been a testament to their resilience and dedication, and their accomplishments are a reflection of their hard work and determination.”

Seward said in the face of adversity, the students in the class of 2024 have demonstrated great leadership skills and a commitment to their community. 

Payton Cillo, a graduating senior, said the tight-knit community at RCHS was one of the  defining aspects of her high school career, and what makes Rappahannock schools so unique. With a small class size — this year’s class numbering 60 students — Cillo said she has known most of her classmates, even those outside of her grade level, for years. 

“You’re kind of just a big family,” Cillo said. “There’s pros and cons. You can’t keep anything secret, but you have people to look to if you need something.”  

Cillo said the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the class’ first year at the high school. At RCHS, students enter high school in eighth grade, so they were sent home in the spring of 2020 for what was meant to be a short break, but ultimately became a prolonged school closure.

“We were sent home for what we thought was like, two weeks, three weeks, which is funny to think about now…then I remember being told that the whole school year is over,” Cillo said. 

It was not until sophomore year that Cillo said school started to feel more normal again, and sports and activities started to return. “From then on, it’s been pretty normal with COVID.”  

Elijah Lowe, another graduating senior, said the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for him, and after struggling in some classes and with motivation to complete his online work, he realized the importance of obtaining an education.

“I struggled quite a bit…I had all the free time in the world to just go around and do whatever I wanted, except my classwork. And I didn’t do it,” Lowe said. “The career that I want to go into requires me to go to college, and I [realized I] couldn’t just mess around all of high school. So eventually, I became more structured because of COVID.”

Cillo said she thinks the school system handled the pandemic shift well, and she has felt supported by her teachers and community, despite some hostility among students surrounding mask protocols on campus. Her teachers empowered her to look to the future and continue her education. She plans to attend James Madison University in the fall, and is anxious to experience the transition from a small school to a large university.

After feeling like he did not have one direct mentor throughout his schooling, Lowe said he found one in Kalia Page, outgoing band director at the high school. Lowe said Page’s guidance and support motivated him in his studies and his pursuit of a career in music. Page helped connect him with Bridgewater College, where he plans to attend in the fall.

“Miss Page has been a wonderful role model, she’s pushed me in the right direction,” Lowe said. “She showed me in the direction of Bridgewater, actually, because that’s her alma mater, and got me with all the connections that I’d need there.” 

Seward said he is excited to see what all of this year’s graduates accomplish in the next chapter of their lives, and is confident that their perseverance and intelligence will take them far.

“I am confident that they will continue to inspire and make a positive impact on the world,” he said.

The Class of 2024…

• Is younger than Facebook, Lord of the Rings movie Trilogy and the iTunes Music Store

• First to start high school in this decade

• Were first graders during Obama’s second election

• Analog TV was phased out before most of them entered school

Sign up for Rapp News Daily, a free newsletter delivered to your email inbox every morning.