Take a deep breath and smell the sunscreen, Otter Pop, and coconut-filled breeze. The days are packed with fun times at the pool with friends and the nights come with sleepovers, fire pits, and late-night drives to the gas station.

Spring break has just ended and that can only mean one thing. Summer is on the way!

The 2020-21 school year has been a gruesome and uphill battle with e-learning, safety guidelines, and let’s be honest with ourselves, motivation in general. But, as the school year is coming to a close, I can’t help but feel the intense excitement for the upcoming summer and what it will hold. This summer has got to be the best summer ever!

“This past year has been difficult…but the summer will bring lots of outdoor activities that give us the opportunity to see each other more!” Junior Zoe Burton exclaimed.

With the new COVID-19 vaccine making its way across the United States, the opportunity to explore and interact safely is becoming more readily available. This means that interacting with friends and loved ones without endangering anybody this summer is now an option!

Many people are also looking forward to plans that have been rescheduled for this summer that had to be postponed because of COVID-19.

“I am an Irish dancer and this summer I am competing at the U.S. National Championships in Phoenix Arizona! I am really excited because it is something that will bring a sense of normalcy,” Burton explained.

Many places have updated their safety regulations and are pushing forward with events to fill the summer nights-

-with excitement. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is an example of fun concerts and events that are bound to make our summer fun. They are sanitizing restrooms and seating to make it safe while still having a blast!

In addition to the events that are going on, there is also the fact that we have been deprived of these fun memories for almost a year. Although we have found ways to have fun indoors and safely during the winter, the lack of usual human engagement this school year will make outdoor times with friends that much better.

However, I know the pressure of this summer can cause expectations to fall short, but I am determined to make the most of these warm months. After so much change and upset to our usual schedule, we all deserve a break and what better to kick back and relax than to have the time of our lives this summer.

“Because it has been such a hectic year at this point I just want it to be over,” junior Addis Soloman said. “My favorite [part] is the very beginning [when] you have the rest of the break ahead of you and it’s your first day of saying it’s finally over!”

I can’t wait for summer and the fun times that will come with it. So, please Air Academy let’s make this summer one to remember!