SARASOTA, Fla. -- A Sarasota High School student created a video featuring her classmates after their senior year was cut short due to COVID-19.
Ivy Morton made the video for her classmates in theater. The video features students taking their "final bow" after their spring musical was canceled.
"I just thought our teachers and parents could really use something to pep them up during this time," said Ivy Morton.
Students practiced for months for their spring musical, "Mamma Mia!"
It was later canceled after students switched to remote learning in March during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Merrill Garlington, a high school senior, said students were looking forward to their final theater production as seniors.
"It's just been so sad that I haven't been able to experience everything with my friends, but I understand why everything has to be pushed or canceled," said Garlington.
Garlington joined theater her sophomore year. She always loved choir and musicals at church. She said the pandemic taught her to have patience.
"Be patient and understand that everyone is going through things. We just have to keep being as happy as possible and surround yourself with people who love you," she said.
Morton said taking their "final bow" in that video meant a lot to them.
It symbolizes a new beginning.
"It really symbolizes moving on. Obviously, the close of the show is so significant because there's so many more opportunities and the potential is just limitless," she said.
Morton said she is grateful for her classmates and faculty at Sarasota High School. It was a very unexpected end to her senior year.
"I'm just so proud of everybody for sticking together during this time...the faculty, the staff of my school, all the parents for dealing with us all the time and of course the students," she added.
The Sarasota County School District said if health and safety guidelines permit, all graduation ceremonies will be scheduled some time between Thursday, July 16 and Sunday, July 26.
If permissible, each school’s dance for seniors will be held within this time frame as well.
