East Chapel High School will no longer be opening its doors to students, according to an announcement made by school officials this week.
The memo was released amidst confusion and turmoil following the school’s devastating performance in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship, in which East received fewer Merit Scholars than Chapel Hill High School for the first time in the school’s esteemed history.
The school’s PR representative explained the decision to reporters on Tuesday.
“This was not an easy decision to make,” she said. “We all have a deep and sentimental attachment to this school, and it’s very sad to see it go. However, this scholarship news has been so devastating to our students and faculty that it’s clear that we as a school can no longer function.”
The announcement did not come as a surprise to the school’s staff—many had resigned in shame after the scholarship results were announced.
One such teacher was Sue Cafferty, who claims she was unable to continue teaching after seeing the effects that the events had on her students.
“I remember going into my Google Meet the morning after the news broke, and all the students had their cameras off, silent. One girl asked to be dismissed from class. Later I heard she moved away from Chapel Hill permanently.”
With a solemn expression, Cafferty also shared her goals for the future following this ordeal.
“I just can’t imagine pursuing any career after this,” she said. “I plan to join a convent in order to repent for my sins and to seek forgiveness.”
The fiasco was a sobering experience to many students, who saw firsthand the disappointments and upheavals that life could dish out suddenly.
Dan Brookheimer, a junior, gave his thoughts on the situation.
“When I first entered this school, I was naive and optimistic. I wanted to become an astrophysicist or a marine biologist. But seeing how this once great establishment has been stripped of all its dignity has really opened my eyes. My only wish now is to be cryogenically frozen… and to be left unconscious forever.”
The school’s shutdown is expected to be finalized in February, when the building will be ceremonially surrendered to Chapel Hill High School as a trophy. The fate of the building after the hand-over has caused much speculation and confusion. Chapel Hill’s principal Charles Blanchard was unavailable for comment, but confidants of his reveal that he plans on having the building razed and the grounds salted so that nothing may grow in its place.
Photo illustration by ECHO staff
