Asheville Students Band Together in the Wake of Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Asheville Students Face Hurricane Aftermath Together

ASHEVILLE — The picturesque city of Asheville, North Carolina, recently faced a challenge that shook its vibrant community to its core. Following the powerful Hurricane Helene, the lives of many residents, especially those of high school seniors, have been turned upside down. But even in tragedy, there are stories of resilience and friendship that stretch across the landscape of this mountain town.

On a recent Friday, high school senior Ari Cohen and three of his friends gathered for a lively round of UNO at his house. Surrounded by a pile of bottled water in his living room, they found solace in the simple joy of playing games together. It had been weeks since they, like thousands of other students, had stepped inside a classroom due to the hurricane’s devastating effects. “We’ve been hanging out pretty much every single day,” said Nathaniel Durham, one of Ari’s pals. “We haven’t gotten sick of each other yet though.”

Indeed, the storm has forced students to get creative in finding ways to pass time without reliable cell or internet service. Many have taken to volunteering, exploring the hard-hit areas of Asheville, or losing themselves in board games instead of textbooks. The landscape of learning has shifted dramatically for these students, particularly for seniors who are filled with hopes and uncertainties about their futures. With looming college applications and graduation plans, the hurricane’s impact feels even heavier.

When Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 27, Asheville found itself largely isolated. Essential roads were washed away and mudslides blocked passage, leaving the city feeling like an island. By the following week, six western North Carolina school districts had closed, stranding students and families alike. Fortunately, the Asheville City Schools system has plans to reopen with shortened, four-hour days, showcasing the community’s commitment to getting back to learning.

Superintendent Maggie Fehrman has been proactive, suggesting alternatives like drilling wells and bringing in restroom trailers as the city grapples with water system repairs. Despite these efforts, uncertainty hangs over students like Ari Cohen, who had planned to graduate early to recuperate from an upcoming hip surgery. “That’s still the general plan, but I’m just not sure how it might change,” he shared thoughtfully.

Another student, Max Schantz, faced an immediate concern: a college scholarship application due just days after the hurricane struck. With no cell or internet service at home, Max headed to a nearby library to write his essays. Sitting outside with about 80 other people in similar straits, he was determined to use the Wi-Fi, only to learn later that the application deadlines had been extended. “I was relieved,” he admitted, adding that he decided to write about the hurricane’s impact in Asheville in his application.

In an unexpected twist, schools like Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools organized sessions to help seniors navigate the often stress-filled college application process. Abe Garry, another friend of Ari’s, received guidance from these sessions and felt that the colleges he’s applying to have been understanding, especially considering the challenges faced by local students.

Yet, the weight of lost time due to the hurricane is palpable. Many seniors like Caroline Barton are grappling with feelings of survivor’s guilt, as their homes remained untouched while others were not so fortunate. “I’m definitely not OK,” said Caroline, who also delayed a recruiting trip for an Ivy League university due to canceled flights. “This is a really stressful time for seniors just in general, and then you throw a hurricane on top of it,” she explained, reflecting on the chaotic whirlwind that followed the storm.

Despite the adversities, there are silver linings. Nathan Flaherty discovered that volunteering has become a new part of his daily routine, sparked by the community’s response to the hurricane. “Seeing people come together has been a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. It has even changed his career plans as he considers merging his love for flying with a newfound interest in emergency management.

As the dust settles, students like Max are left pondering their futures in a changed world. “It was just a really fun time before, and I don’t know if it will ever get back to that level of just enjoyment,” he said, revealing a sentiment that resonates with so many of his classmates.

Finding Hope Amidst Challenges

As school resumes, these high school seniors are not just returning to classes—they’re stepping into a new chapter filled with challenges and resilience. With support from each other, their community, and the schools, there is hope that they will navigate this difficult time together, forging new memories despite the struggles.