In a normal year, Rainbow P12 College captains Jordan Leach and Alannah James would be juggling academic responsibilities with leadership.
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They would be speaking at assemblies, representing the school and helping transfer information from staff to students and vice-versa.
But of course, this is not a normal year. So they've had to improvise a bit.
"While we were still at school, when we came back, we didn't have whole school assemblies," Mr Leach said.
"So Alannah and I would go around to each of the form rooms and check in on all the students, tell them all the news," he said.
"It's been a bit tough to do that since we've been remote learning again."
Mr Leach said he nominated to be a role model for younger students, and to make his school's assemblies "more exciting".
He said he and Alannah had tried to keep up their relationship as co-captains while in lockdown.
"We still did the Anzac Day ceremony together," he said. "We have a strong relationship in and out of school, so we check in on each other.
"It would still be nice to do awards night together, if we're able to do that this year."
Miss James said she wanted to be a positive influence and "a happy face around the school" before the pandemic hit.
"I still try and keep people positive from home, because online schooling is hard," she said.
"A lot of my classmates feel stressed and anxious not know what will happen with our final year, and we've missed birthday celebrations... I can't guarantee everything is going to be OK, but I can remind them if we all work together, we'll get through it."
Mr Leach said there were ten students in year 12 at Rainbow College in 2020. His parents are both teachers at the school, while his younger brother Murphy is in year 11. The two shares several classes.
"I think the small classes allow the teachers to have more one-on-one time with the students, even though it's been a bit tougher." he said.
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After the disruption to their plans this year, Mr Leach and Miss James say they are still keen to be leaders in the Rainbow community.
Mr Leach hopes to study outdoor education, and Miss James a double degree in law and art, both in Melbourne.
"Hopefully I can come back to the Wimmera and be in the community," Mr Leach said.
Miss James moved to the town from Qatar, in the Middle East, five years ago, when her father began work as a vet in Warracknabeal.
"There is no place like Rainbow, and I definitely want to come back and lead the younger kids," she said.
"It's been a fantastic experience living here, and I'd love to pass that on."
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
