The pandemic and the rise of virtual learning was one of three topics of the year in the eyes of TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers. Back in March, local parents and guardians were weighing virtual learning and going back to school. “We have been enjoying virtual learning at home,” said Ernestine Wilkins, a grandmother raising her two grandchildren, Sasha Anderson, 12, and Alexander Austin, 9. (right) Tiphne Hurd said isolation was getting to her son, Jermier, who was “so happy returning to school” on March 1. (Courtesy photo)