BEST SELLERS' LIST Top 10 Senior Year Concerns of MCHS' Taliyah Chalmers

PRODUCED BY: Talatha and Taliyah Chalmers

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Gena Parker


With millions of U.S. children not completely sure on how the 2020-21 school years will proceed, August has tons of more uncertainty than in the past. 

The normal August brings a measure of anxiety and anticipation for students in pre-school, elementary, middle school, high school or college. Time is almost near for new classes, new teachers, new encounters, new lessons and new opportunities. 

Out of all those grades and levels, the group looking forward to the school year the most is normally the incoming high school senior. The Class of 2021 is on deck. And those children just witnessed their peers from the Class of 2020 limp to the finish line.

Now the COVID-19 soaked baton is being passed to them for their senior year. This issue hits close to home for me with my Goddaughter Taliyah Chalmers preparing for her final year of high school at Millington Central High School. 

Time has flown by from the 11-year-old Millington Middle School band member to the young woman who is a Millington Star intern and West 10 Media Youtube producer. 

In between her work schedule, she squeezes in solid grades, choir and still a part of the band. Back in June Taliyah wasn't too worried about how coronavirus was going to impact her senior year. 

By the time July came to a conclusion, most of our conversation centered around a virtual school year, limited time on campus and the cancellation of traditional events. 

I always told Taliyah, “Your junior year is your best year because you are an upperclassman who has perks but none of the pressure of being a senior. Make the most of it.” 

Wow, now those words have taken on a totally different meaning. Recently I asked my Goddaughter to compose her top 10 list of things she would miss during a global pandemic school year. The 10 items below on this week's The Best Sellers' List are from Taliyah. But I will express my thoughts from a Godparent's prospective. 

10. Being able to go to school

9. Senior picnic

8. Pep rallies

7. Club activities

6. After-school practice

5. Sporting events

4. Concerts

3. Prom

2. Performing on the field

1. Graduation