Courtney for the Porch Project - A Porch Portrait

Courtney (17). Kent, Ohio

As COVID-19 continued its spread, schools were closed as a safety precaution.  As many of us scrambled to make that adjustment, we may have forgotten how much of an adjustment it was (and continues to be) for the students. Daily we receive notices of more closures - Spring sport practices and events, graduation, and prom - events that we take for granted. Courtney is experiencing this firsthand. 

She's a Theodore Roosevelt High School Senior preparing for her last spring of high school softball on a manicured field with many new additions. Rather, she's urging her friends to do something challenging for teens to do right now - stay home and keep their distance.

When asked how this is impacting her, she quickly reveals a heartfelt, impassioned and wise-beyond-her-years message: "Look at all the wonderful things I was able to do."

Those wonderful things included Homecoming Court, TRHS Cheer, and many moments with friends. Despite missing graduation, prom, and softball, Courtney will carry her memories of this event forever. Her youthful wisdom and empathy will surely inspire others and carry her far. As for softball? Courtney's journey hasn't entirely ended - she'll be playing softball for Mount Union in 2021.