With the Covid-19 pandemic preventing large social gatherings and adjusting every in-door area, the annual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in St. Louis will be far from normal: no parades for the Irish community to gather and share in their culture, no bars open for adults to partake in a hefty pint of Guinness, and no safe way to have large Irish family dinners or other annual celebrations for the holiday. While many will see Wednesday, March 17 as yet another typical day due to the combination of spring break and quarantine, there is still one communal and accessible way to celebrate and share in Irish culture and pride: food.

The students eating lunch on Thursday, March 3 had to ask the fire alarm to raise its voice since they couldn’t figure out what it was wailing about due to the muffling caused by the plexiglass dividers between the tables.

Quarter exams have been a unique part of the academic rigor at St. Louis U. High for years. Most other high schools just have semester exams, but SLUH has quarter exams as well so that students are better prepared for college and beyond. However, the challenges of Covid-19 have forced the administration to address the necessity of these quarter exam weeks. The decision was to remove the formal week of exams, but allow teachers to choose how to assess their students at the end of the quarter.

The Mother’s Club at St. Louis U. High hosts a Mother-Son Trivia Night every year, giving an opportunity for students to take a break from their hectic school lives and spend some time with their families. This event is typically held in the Si Commons and draws a relatively large crowd, but, due to the pandemic, an in-person trivia night similar to those in years past would simply be unfeasible. 

After several months of relative silence, the Innovation Lab has finally been humming, cranking, and whirring again this semester as SLUH’s STEM Club worked to put the finishing touches on projects for a busy competition season. Over the last two weeks, a flurry of important competitions ensured the space was in constant use. 

Over six months ago Most members of the class of 2025 entered the hallways of St. Louis U. High for the first time  as students over six months ago, partaking in live classes, meeting new friends, and immersing themselves in the vibrant community. But for freshman Nate Broyles, Monday, March 8 was his first day at school. 

Returning to defend a five year State Championship winning streak after only a three-week season last year, the St. Louis U. High water polo team is back in the pool. Though the State Championship is important, the players are more focused on making the most out of the time they have. 

After a disappointingly short season last year, the St. Louis U. High tennis team is finally back on the courts at Dwight Davis and its ambition has not wavered. One year ago, SLUH tennis had it all: a deep, experienced roster, a clear shot at a state title, and even two nationally-ranked standouts. Then, Covid-19 exploded through the country and struck down the team’s high hopes.

Following a year-long hiatus, the St. Louis U. High varsity volleyball team is ready to dominate the court once again, already preparing for what they hope to make a perfect, state-winning season.

After last year’s lacrosse season was cut short, the lacrosse team returns this year looking to continue what was to be a great season last spring. With the graduation of former stars Brendan Hannah and Nick McLaughlin, the team worked tirelessly in the offseason to ready up for a chance to resume play.