When I took most of these photos nobody had any idea that the high school seniors of 2020 would be robbed of highly anticipated activities, prom, and a traditional graduation. We had no idea. We hadn’t even heard of Covid-19 and we certainly didn’t know the damage it would cause. My heart has ached for the high school seniors I know and love, the ones I’ve photographed this year, and the ones I’ll never even meet. In this moment it all just feels so unfair and I can’t imagine the emotions they’ve felt over the last couple of months. I don’t even feel like there are adequate words to be said that can articulate what living in this time is like. I try to put my feelings into eloquent words worthy of a blog post, but fall short. All that said, through this whole thing I have seen so many good people swoop in and try to make up for what these kids have lost. To help them feel seen. To remind them that they are loved and supported. I love people like that.

Ten years from now, the sting of a lost senior year will have faded and these kids will be well on their way to changing our world for the better. They’ll have careers, families, and new goals and dreams. I LOVE teenagers. I think they are among the most remarkable people on earth. I admire their resilience, tenacity, strength, and drive. Here are some of the incredible seniors I’ve photographed this school year.

Class of 2020, I applaud you and I love you.

-KD