With this unprecedented disruption to our normal way of life, The Willistonian is using its unique platform, in what we’re calling “What This All Means,” to showcase how Wildcats are getting through these extraordinary times, and what Williston means to them now that they can’t set foot on its campus.

Below is an essay senior Jonathan Toth wrote for the 2020 Home Builders Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarship. [It has been edited for clarity.]

My chosen topic of choice for essay submission is the school I have attended for both middle and high school: the Williston Northampton School. A simple response to the prompt as to why Williston maintains an importance to me is that I have learned and studied there for the last six years of my life. It is amazing to think that an entire third of my eighteen years has been directly impacted by Williston. I can officially say, too, that many of the relationships I have had the opportunity to make during my time will last a lifetime. Ironically, this is the simple response. There is an abundance [of reasons] why it is important to me.

Unfortunately, in light of the events that have occurred during this month (March 2020) with the Coronavirus, the Head of School ultimately decided to cancel the remainder of the spring trimester and its activities, including Commencement.

In other words, I was stripped of my last moments to spend on campus as a student. Upon hearing the news, I was flooded (and still am) with emotions, ranging from anger to sadness to reflection. The news was extremely painful to hear as one of the most important times in my young life was taken from me. Nonetheless, I was compelled to think about those fantastic years and their importance.

I recalled the many moments, both good and bad, both athletically and academically, both significant and insignificant. I remember the home playoff soccer game this past fall where we defeated Rivers School, 2-1. I remember all the games I spectated, especially the basketball games, hooting and hollering for my friends on the court.

I remember the instances where my teachers pointed out my outstanding work in front of my classmates. I remember all these significant moments quite easily; however, I began to realize and recall the seemingly insignificant moments at the time.

I remember passing people on my way to class, saying “Hello” and “How’ve you been?” as though it were an obligation. I will no longer have that opportunity.

I remember the long walk to Galbraith Fields that we needed to take to get to baseball practice as though it were a hassle. I did not have the opportunity to play the sport I love during my senior year. I reflected on all this, on both the important and unimportant aspects of life at Williston, that made it so special.

All these memories made Williston so important to me. As I said before, events have abruptly happened cut my time short, and I am extremely regretful I was not given the chance to admire the last times of everything. The last time walking out of class. The last baseball game of my high school career. The last time saying goodbye to some.

Regardless, I am so very grateful for the memories that I still have from my six years, especially those I made during my last one. I will always remember the importance of Williston.