The coronavirus outbreak disrupted the lives of students around the world. In Georgia, schools statewide closed their doors in March and remained closed for the rest of the school year.

For the high school and college classes of 2020 that meant a loss of traditional coming-of-age rituals like prom and graduation, replaced with socially distanced celebrations and drive-by ceremonies.

Through it all the seniors persevered, learning to adapt to the new normal of life during a pandemic.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution followed several area high school and college students through their last months of the school year, talking with them about how their lives were impacted and what it all means for their futures.

Read about the unprecedented school year, the 11 students profiled by the AJC and hear how they faced the challenges.

READ | COVID crisis forces Class of 2020 to become the Class of Perseverance

READ | Class of 2020: Anxious, energized, eager to meet the future

WATCH | 2020: The Class of Perseverance

About the Authors

Keep Reading

A teacher hugs Pam Rollins during an assembly at the Lovett School on Wednesday, after the Rollins family gave a $30 million gift to the school. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC