Monticello High School Principal Adam Clapp before the school year started wasn't sure how long school would stay in session if it even got off the ground at all.

Six months later and with a semester in the books, he says things off gone way better than expected and believes the planning that went into the school year has paid off in a big way.

Clapp credits his students for their willingness to comply with all the mitigation efforts needed to make the school year happen. Through all the ups-and-downs, he credits the kids will sticking with everything.

Clapp's students received a huge boost a couple of weeks ago when the Governor's office and IDPH announced the return of all sports and then the IHSA's schedule of sports for the second semester. Saturday's first home basketball game featured a video of the Monticello pep band performing and that was pumped into the arena during halftime, another piece of a return to what students enjoy doing. 

While students remained positive, the last several months were tough for the students of Monticello, according to Clapp. He also notes that lunchtimes have been missing this year which is a great time for administrators and teachers to connect with kids.

It was a few weeks ago the new Sievers Center was used to begin vaccinating Piatt County schools staff. Clapp says the vaccine begins to give everyone a 'light at the end of the tunnel' and hope for a return to normalcy.