2020 was a very intense year, with many historical events that led to everyone looking forward to the new year. Now that 2021 is finally here it is time to look back at the top ten events of 2020 and how they changed us. 

#1: The Coronavirus Pandemic: The covid pandemic. This disease ravaged the entire world and put most of the population in a seemingly endless quarantine.

“The craziest part of 2020 to me was the start of quarantine,” states Senior, Stefan Harris. “It started as two weeks and then we just never went back.”

This pandemic has claimed the lives of nearly 1,936,410 people worldwide and has infected more than 90 million, with new cases daily. It still affects people to this day, but luckily vaccines are being made and hope is on the way.

#2: The U.S election: This was a divide in our country unlike any other between political parties. With thoughts of false votes, rallies, and two complete opposite candidates pinned against each other the whole election was a frightening spectacle. While President-Elect Joe Biden is said to be sworn in as President in just a few days, there are still riots and pushes to keep Donald Trump in office. 

#3: The BLM movement: After the death of George Floyd the country broke out into protest over the police’s unnecessary use of lethal force against people of color. These protests went on for months, came in many forms, and were usually a clash between police and protesters that once again split the nation in two. These protests had long-lasting events that carried over into the media, the election, and into the new year.

#4: The Stock Market crash: As if the year could not have gotten more fearful about money after Covid put many people out of work, the U.S Stock Market crashed not once, but three times. It crashed on March 9th first and then again on the 12th and 16th, leaving some of the biggest drop points in U.S history and scaring people across the country. Luckily it was back up after the recession rather quickly and has yet to provide more news since.

#5: The wildfires that spread across Australia and California: The dry season was incredibly brutal during the 2020 timeline. Nearly all of Australia was on fire, sending many people fleeing their homes and forced to evacuate. Same for California, whose fires spread along the coast and sent many people out of their homes as well. Luckily, many donations were made, helping the brave men and women fight the fires and reverse the damages.

#6:  The “Murder Hornets”: The Asian Giant Hornets that made their way to the United States in early 2020.  These hornets were quickly nicknamed “murder hornets” for their potent venom and aggressive murder of bees.  

“I am horrified of normal wasps and stuff so the murder hornets were a definite concern for me, says junior, Rina Hector.  

They are the largest hornets in the world at 2.2 inches.  These hornets originate from tropical parts of Asia and some parts of Russia.  No one is quite sure how they got here but one thing is for sure, they are deadly.

#7: The harsh hurricane season that hit the Atlantic coast:  There were a total of thirteen hurricanes, six of which were above a category three, and 30 total tropical storms, which became a new record high.  The season caused over 431 fatalities total throughout the season.  Along with many fatalities, the hurricanes caused a lot of economic damage and was named the fifth costliest season on record.  The 2020 hurricane season was named the most active season in history.  

#8: The acquitted impeachment of President Donald Trump:  Initiated on December 18, 2019, President Trump was charged for obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.  These accusations came about after the President had illegally solicited Ukrainian authorities to influence the 2020 presidential election.  The President’s impeachment was approved by the House of Representatives but did not pass through the Senate, acquitting President Trump and allowing him to continue his time in office.  

#9: The tragic death of Los Angeles Lakers basketball team member, Kobe Bryant, and his daughter, Gianna Bryant:  Their death took place on January 26, 2020.  The father and daughter were riding in a helicopter in Calabasas, California when it crashed, killing all nine of the occupants, including the pilot.  Memorials were put up for Kobe and his daughter, and their legacy will never be forgotten. 

#10: The announcement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, former Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepping down from being “senior royals” of the royal family:

“I don’t think it’s as horrible as the news makes it out to be. If they didn’t want to be senior royals they shouldn’t have to be.  It’s not like they were the future king and queen,” states sophomore, Gigi Hanner.  

The couple stepped down on January 8, 2020, and relocated to Southern California.  Throughout the year they announced their leave from social media, a podcast deal with Spotify, and a deal with Netflix to produce documentaries and children’s shows.  

“2020 was ridiculous because things just kept getting worse,” says Senior Anika Richter. “It was one thing after another.”

While this news event was not one that was around long, it was a rather ridiculous, but still scary event that took over as one of 2020’s defining moments. 

All in all, many will look back at 2020 as one of the most historic years not just in our country’s history, but for the history of the world.  While many hope for a prosperous 2021, we can’t be quick to forget 2020 along with the lessons and learning experiences it provided.