Class of 2021 Coverage

With pandemic, graduation in rear view, Class of 2021's biggest lesson: Adapt

From senior thesis presentations, to bar crawls, to the commencement ceremonies, it was all different. But for graduating seniors at Duke, North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, different doesn't mean bad.

Class of 2021 adapts graduation traditions to pandemic limits

From senior thesis presentations, to bar crawls, to the commencement ceremonies, it was all different. But for graduating seniors at Duke NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill, different doesn't mean bad. (Video by Payton Tysinger)

One big outdoor graduation: Athens Drive High to celebrate Class of 2021 in traditional fashion

Principal Stephen Mares says he wants families to understand this stadium will be full. And without social distancing and masks, he says, some people may feel uncomfortable.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL reporter

After pandemic, virtual interview skills can set job seekers apart

Graduates in the Class of 2021 face an unprecedented challenge: Landing a job that reflects their academic focus and career goals in the middle of a pandemic.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

At St. Aug's, Meredith, class of 2021 turn tassels today

Members of the Class of 2020 will also be honored at in-person events a year after the coronavirus pandemic put events on hold.

COVID concerns make graduation preps 'panic mode' for Class of 2021

Just last month, each of the Triangle's largest universities - Duke, NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill - decided to hold in-person ceremonies.

Russell Wilson is NC State's 2021 commencement speaker

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who graduated with a degree in communication from NC State in 2010, will return to deliver this year's commencement address during in-person ceremonies scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, May 14 and 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 15.

UNC senior finds the positives in a positive COVID test

Despite all precautions, my weekly test returned positive on March 3. I was mad.

COVID just another routine test for the Class of 2021

University seniors have adapted regular COVID-19 testing into their schedules for months, even finding comfort in the routine.

Seniors hold fellow students responsible for spring semester safety, success

Increased testing for COVID-19 and stricter safety protocols juxtaposed with students gathering en masse and flouting North Carolina safety guidelines have led to a turbulent start to the spring semester at the Triangle's three largest universities.

Spring semester begins with a little too much in-person for some college seniors

Increased testing for COVID-19 and stricter safety protocols juxtaposed with students gathering en masse and flouting North Carolina safety guidelines have led to a turbulent start to the spring semester at the Triangle's three largest universities.

Clock is ticking on Class of 2021

After an unusually long holiday break, seniors at UNC, Duke and NC State are anxious to get back to class and anxious about being in the classroom.

Clock is ticking for the Class of 2021

Students at Duke University, NC State University and UNC Chapel Hill will return to classes in just about a week. For those at NC State and UNC Chapel Hill, this semester will be their first time learning on campus since a failed attempt at in-person classes in August.

Long break doesn't mean less work for some in Class of 2021

On a winter break that is nearly double its normal length due to the COVID-19 pandemic, college students are simply taking time to relax while others push forward with their plans for the future.

Some in Class of 2021 keep working through long winter break

On a winter break that is nearly double its normal length due to the COVID-19 pandemic, college students are simply taking time to relax while others push forward with their plans for the future. (Producer: Payton Tysinger)

For Class of 2021, final exams provide comfort, familiarity amid COVID chaos

The days and weeks leading up to final exams are generally a time of distress for college students. But this semester, amid COVID-19 and remote instruction, some students are finding the more-familiar, time-consuming stress to be comforting.

As finals loom, Class of 2021 feeling 'kinda normal, kinda not'

The days and weeks leading up to final exams are generally a time of distress for college students. But this semester, amid the COVID-19 and remote instruction, some students are finding the more-familiar, time-consuming stress to be comforting.

At UNC, Duke, NC State, Class of 2021 simply feels stuck

Through Bryce Royal, a senior at NC State, Sharmi Amin, and Vivian Le, seniors at Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill, respectively, I hope to show you how it feels and what it looks like to be part of the class of 2021.

Stuck: College seniors wait for campus life to return, real life to begin

Being a senior in college right now is weird; the world we live in is bizarre and uncharted.

Class of 2021: Adapts to 'Zoom University'

Roughly one month into the academic school year, most students at each of the Triangle's major universities spend their days gazing into the screens from which their professors lecture. Classrooms, quads, and libraries are empty. This semester has come with its fair share of challenges, but the adjustment to remote instruction is less jarring than you might expect. This is the second in our series tracking local seniors through a school year unlike any other.

The reality of Zoom U: Lots of screen time, very little social life

Roughly one month into the academic school year, most students at each of the Triangle's major universities spend their days gazing into the screens from which their professors lecture. Classrooms, quads, and libraries are empty. This semester has come with its fair share of challenges, but the adjustment to remote instruction is less jarring than you might expect. This is the second in our series tracking local seniors through a school year unlike any other.

The Class of 2021: Returning

After five months away, seniors from UNC, Duke and NC state share how they feel about returning to a senior year full of uncertainty.

Excitement and fear mix as college students return to campus

Uncertainty is almost certain for college seniors. But for the class of 2021 it seems our questions outweigh the answers tenfold.