Amid the international Coronavirus pandemic, students have been sent home in order to maintain the health of HHS students, staff and families; however, because students will not be attending school, spring sports have also been put on hold during this time. 

Senior Lydia Grogg, one of the student-athletes on the varsity softball team, has decided to use this time to pick up more shifts at her job Once Upon a Child, located in the Kroger Shopping Center. 

“I started working at Once Upon a Child in October, [so I can have] money for gas and to spend on other activities,” Grogg said. “I have decided to continue working during the two week break since we are taking safety precautions at work.” 

Having classes online still makes her schedule busy; however, without softball, Grogg has decided to use her job and babysitting to fill her daily schedule. 

“I have been babysitting and although I wish I could get more hours, our manager has cut back everyone’s hours for the safety of not only her staff, but also the community,” Grogg said.  

As the virus continues to spread and impact more and more people, many residents within the community are taking both quarantine and social distancing very seriously. Through social media and in-person interactions, Grogg has heard peoples’ points of view on the spread of the Coronavirus and thinks cleanliness is significant throughout the year. 

“I believe that everyone should take care of themselves and practice good hygiene everyday, not only when a crisis like the Coronavirus takes place,” Grogg said. 

With many business, restaurant and school closures around the community, Grogg wouldn’t be surprised if OUAC temporarily closed as well for the health of the staff and customers, but also knows it is important for them to stay open.

“Once Upon a Child is locally owned and operated and because of this, multiple families rely on the store to sustain their family in addition to the fact that children all over our community are growing and changing,” Grogg said. “The need for clothing, shoes and developmental toys is imperative to their growth.