The virus disrupted the school year and nearly destroyed a long-standing senior tradition, but they persisted and placed their hand prints on the wall in the commons area within the first couple weeks of returning to school.

“I love the tradition and this year it means so much more, as it could be the closest these kids are to each other. It is absolutely so great to give this normal to the seniors,” student council advisor Amber Bronson said.

For the past 20 years, each graduating class places their handprints on the senior wall leaving a physical symbol of their time spent at the school. Overseen by Bronson, the class of 2021 took their turn and now their handprints can be seen on the wall. 

“I think it’s a really important tradition. Mainly because it is nice to see something visual that represents the senior class and it’s nice to be recognized,” senior Madeline Beck said.

This tradition was altered to put safety protocols in place to protect students from the current pandemic. These precautions included seniors wearing vinyl gloves when placing their handprint and writing their names with sharpie. The wall took weeks to complete because the seniors showed up at staggered times, but it was finished on Feb. 5.

“It was really nice to have a senior activity even though we had to take certain precautions. A lot of us have been wanting more positive community activities, so this was a great example of something safe and fun to do for seniors,” senior Ashley Homann said.

Remote learning delayed the completion of the wall, but hybrid learning gave seniors the opportunity to partake in the tradition half way through the year.

“Putting your hand print on the wall just like all of the seniors before you is important,” Homann said. “It signifies our time at Ike and allows us to be a part of something that was such a big part of our lives.”