The graduating class of 2021 has lived though extraordinary historical events in the past year. Covid Class 2021 is a platform for these students' stories, their thoughts about & analysis of the events of this year, the music they listened to & the other media they created & consumed. These courageous, caring & New York-tough students all attend Pace High School, a public school in Lower Manhattan.

personal essay

Remembering Mariana O.
​by ROGER SAQUIPAY

She reminded me of my grandmother, so it felt right to treat her somewhat like my grandmother. She just seemed like an overall amazing person in my eyes, but to the rest of my family, not so much.

personal essay

Balancing School & Family & My Family Members' School
by RENALEE C.

When classes start, I usually log into my class but shift right away to help my brother with his lessons because his classes are very interactive.
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personal essay

Finding Justice for George Floyd
by HECTOR R.

Even though the world was in a pandemic I felt the need to march for George Floyd.  Watching videos of his killing made me furious and heartbroken, but at the same time made me want to do what was right.

analytical essay

Stop Anti-Asian Hate & Violence
​by MARILYN M.

Asian people should not be afraid to go out in the world because of the way they appear.

personal essay

Covid-19 Ruined
My Senior Year
by SOPHIA C.

Online school was also uncomfortable because I did not always want my camera to be on. I didn’t want to do all the work. I just wanted to go back to school, I wanted to hang out with my friends again,..

photo gallery

Putting Myself Out There More
by SYLVIA GRANT

I was trying to get more out of my comfort zone  since I always stay home and do nothing but complain about not going out.

personal essay

I Found My Passion During this Weird Time: Making Music
by ​TYLER YACINTHE

I started this music journey just for fun and I didn't take it seriously at first. But now it's the thing I'm working on day and night.

movie reviews

Movie Reviews in Haikus
​by JAIDEN GILL

 The pandemic allowed many people to increase their TV and movie streaming time. Gill chose to watch movie classics and now offers his witty reviews in haiku form!

analytical essay

Why Remote Learning Was a Negative Experience for Students
by FERMIN PEREZ

What are the consequences of students learning online for a whole school year? To what degree will it impact their futures?

personal essay

A Time for Grieving
by ELIANGEL H.

My experience of Covid was like a roller coaster ride, like El Toro: a very sketchy quake, a lot of inclines and declines, but at the end of the ride, worth the distress.

music playlist

Songs that Got Me Through Quarantine
by KAITLYNN G.

I found this song ["love/hate" by Matt Van] during my lowest point in quarantine, I felt isolated from all my friends and family and in a certain way I resonated with the lyrics. 

analytical essay

Pres. Biden Is Making Progress in Ending the Pandemic
by TATAYNA L.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Americans were looking to their leaders for guidance. Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis was disastrous for the country.

personal essay

The Second Father: A Tribute
by CHRISTIAN D.

 I couldn't believe it because the day before, San Juan was sitting listening to his music and I was speaking to him. He was telling me about how life was so short and to make sure I have fun as a young teen.

analytical essay

NYC Tenants' Post-Lockdown Crisis
by KAITLYNN G.

Since the beginning of the lockdown one of the biggest concerns for many New York City tenants has been whether or not they have the ability to pay rent due to unemployment.

analytical essay

Covid Caused a Mental Health Crisis, Particularly for Teens
by ASHLEE J.

... specifically for high school seniors, the weight of staying on top of school work, filing important documents, college applications and acceptance and the seemingly impending doom of graduation was extremely overwhelming for us. 

analytical essay

Vaccines: A Safe Way Back to Normal
by KAREN P.

I want to be able to sit in a room with my grandparents or my baby brother without worrying that I might give them the virus...