Facial Features

Fashion has always been central to high school life, and this year is no exception, even with the mask mandate.

photo by Jess Daninhirsch

Students around NASH are making the best of the mask mandate by taking the opportunity to express their style.

Sophia Caruso, Senior Staff Writer
September 28, 2020

Masks are mandatory this school year, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be fun. The following six students have embraced the new rule as a way to express themselves while keeping safe.

Take senior Micah Bohnenstengel, who sports a custom design.

“My mom created this mask for me before the school year began,” Bohnenstengel said. “She made it out of fabric we had at our house. It’s comfortable and its pattern stands out, which I appreciate.”

Micah Bohnenstengel shows off his one of a kind mask. Photo by Sophia Caruso.

Others, such as senior Riley Boal, opted to purchase their masks, though they were no less attentive to appearance than Bohnenstengel.

“I bought a set of masks from Old Navy with patterns and solid colors,” Boal said. “They were both comfortable and adjustable, equally, and they had cute patterns that went well with my outfits for school.”

Cheetah print has become a pattern commonly seen on masks around the school. Photo by Sophia Caruso.

Along with patterns, hobbies have played a big role in students’ mask choices.

Liam Hall uses his mask to express his hobbies. Photo by Sophia Caruso.

“My mask represents my passion for video games as well as robots,” senior Liam Hall said. “It does not slide off my face and it shows  something I like to do in my free time while also keeping me safe while at school.”

For senior Emma Conway, a mask must be part of the larger ensemble, so variety is essential.

”I got my mask from Etsy along with four other masks in a pack,” Conway said. “I match my outfits most times when it is convenient. My masks are comfortable, and I think they reflect and represent my personality more than plain ones.”

Emma Conway wears her unique pastel tie-dye mask. Photo by Sophia Caruso.

For senior Brittney Groom, there’s no need for symbolism.  A mask can make a literal statement.

“This is my go-to mask, and it makes me happy,” Groom said. “I love the vibe it gives off. It is very positive and matches my styles and outfits.”

Brittney Groom is glad to make a statement with her mask. Photo by Sophia Caruso.

Convenience, affordability, and comfort are key for senior Will Sarapa.

“My aunt makes masks and this one was gifted to me by her,” Sarapa said. “It is comfortable and sits on my face nicely, and I enjoy the checkerboard print on the front. I don’t usually wear it to match my outfits, but it’s convenient.”

Will Sarapa appreciates his mask for its convenience and versatility. Photo by Sophia Caruso.

Although the 2020-21 school year has presented challenges, students’ attitudes have made all the difference. And oftentimes, those positive vibes can be seen right on their faces.