With the start of the new school year, one must reflect on this past semester.
In 2020, Rock Hill went into quarantine to protect its citizens from COVID-19. Winthrop’s cultural and sports events were postponed or outright canceled in order to reduce the amount of travel to and from Rock Hill.
As vaccinations continue to take place across the country, Rock Hill is finally reintegrating into society.
Winthrop has released its calendar of events, and The Johnsonian staff has compiled a list of our favorite events; many of us are excited for the slate of social opportunities.
Some staff members are most looking forward to the upcoming season of sporting events and are pumped that athletes are getting their chance to shine on the field again this fall after last fall’s lack of sporting events due to COVID-19.
Staff members are also counting down the days until Winthrop’s Johnson Theatre opens its stage curtains.
While visual and performing arts continued to screen virtually throughout the last academic school year, the 2021-2022 academic year yields new opportunities for community members to see Winthrop-borne performances and displays live again.
Johnson Theatre opens its doors to the public on Sept. 30.
While Winthrop has student works on display in Lewandowski Student Gallery throughout the year, the master’s program is currently exhibiting a series of pieces narrating the artists’ childhoods.
The Johnsonian has recently resumed in-person staff meetings after a year of virtual meetings through Zoom and staff members are enjoying the camaraderie.
Various staff writers are anticipating being able to experience new restaurants and stores that opened during the height of COVID-19.
Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails has recently completely opened on Technology Way. This has created more jobs for the Rock Hill community and gives Winthrop students a fresh alternative to on-campus dining.
With Winthrop’s return to the traditional classroom, the university’s administration encourages students to remain cautious of potential exposure to COVID-19. Shelia Burkhalter will send out more information regarding student health and safety as the school year begins. It is strongly advised that the same caution be applied to classrooms as social events.
The 2020-2021 school year brought countless twists and turns as the United States tried to adjust to “the new normal.” However, this upcoming term is full of long-overdue social gatherings.
After Winthrop became used to social distancing protocols, this year’s slate of events has been altered to maintain adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. While vaccines are available to the general public and are strongly encouraged, social distancing measures, too, are advised, and wearing a mask is mandatory in buildings on Winthrop’s campus.
