Students gathered their beach towels and blankets to lounge on the sports fields while waiting for the eclipse. The eclipse brought lots of clout to Columbia, Missouri and put it on the map for the recent while. Eclipse merchandise and solar glasses quickly sold nationwide for the once in a lifetime event. For the day of the eclipse, teachers and students both doused themselves in everything to deal with this community building event.

As the student body became more educated about the world around them, their eyes began to open.

“I think this event will provoke a sense of wonder about our world and universe and give us a sense of just stop and notice what is going on around you,” said Marsha Tyson, science department chair.

The eclipse was no longer just a sight to see. Because of Battle’s location, students and faculty could experience a total solar eclipse. This meant the sun was completely covered by the moon during totality.

Junior Johnathan Ticgelaor said, “We were very lucky to have such a great location because it brought so many interesting people to Columbia. It also gave us the chance to learn about things that we normally don’t get to.”

After all the positive outlook and talk, the crowd of students began to be seated. Students then began to observe the environment . The eclipse became a moment of peace and many claimed to have developed a connection between humankind and the world around them. As each minute went on, the surrounding sea of blue skies began to change. Vibrant, vivacious shades of pink and orange began to emerge from the midst of the excitement. The moon inched closer and closer to the sun. It began to quiet down. All to be heard were the chirping of crickets and buzzing cicadas in the distance. Everyone sat still as the final gleam of light peeked through. When totality began, students and faculty eagerly took off their glasses. Everyone was in awe. Something that wouldn’t happen again in years had happened all in one moment. All the anticipation, documentaries, and solar eclipse glasses led to one amazing experience.

After the event everyone astonished. Students and faculty conversed about the event all day long. Although the eclipse won’t return to Columbia for over 100 years, a nearby total solar eclipse will be happening April 8, 2024 in Southern Missouri, near Cape Girardeau.

Even though it is a bit of a trip to see it, junior Destiny Ghirardi will be ready to make the journey. She said, “They say that things like this only happen once in a lifetime, so why wouldn’t you want to miss something like this again.”
While the event was amazing, the best things don’t last long. After the eclipse students were sent back to class to reminisce upon such a beautiful event.