With the arrival of the novel COVID-19 virus, lockdowns and quarantines take place globally. While Americans were shocked at the time in which the virus made its way to the United States, students at NC already made predictions of this deadly disease 65 years ago.

The article, titled “65 years from now” described how in 2020, a disease would wreak havoc throughout the world. Students and teachers developed an algorithm to determine the frequency in which deadly pandemics took place. Through the algorithm, they pinpointed the exact year in which the disease would occur. While the article was published anonymously, students around the school at the time were asked to speak on the issue. 

“That’s too bad! I plan to live my life to the fullest. I’m here for a good time, not a long one! Besides, by then most of us won’t be here to experience that anyways,” NC senior Larry Paul said. 

Once NC students learned of the shocking revelation, they started to wonder about the accuracy, while others became skeptical of its validity. 

“I honestly think this whole ordeal was just a big coincidence. Pandemics are always happening and guessing the year could just be a matter of chance,” NC sophomore Lisa Asil said. 

When word about “65 years from now” began circulating around the school, Principal Matthew Moody and other staff members tried to ease tensions within the student body. 

“We have become aware of an old edition of The Chant going around the school. While there is no way to prevent students from becoming aware of the article, we must take steps to avoid myths from taking away from the actual truth and seriousness of this issue,” Moody said.

As the coronavirus begins causing more damage to public health, students and staff try to limit public hysteria from spreading. Hopefully, the efforts of the school can help dismiss incorrect claims.

April Fool’s, you fool!

XOXO,

The Chant