On Aug. 21, all of Francis Howell Central ventured down to Don Muench Memorial Stadium during sixth and seventh hours, armed with a pair of eclipse glasses provided by the school district, to watch the first total solar eclipse to pass over Missouri – and a large swath of the United States – since 1979.

Narrated by science teacher Kim Maxwell, students were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience during the 57 seconds of totality witnessed in Cottleville. Below are sights and sounds from the eclipse.

Sophomore Lauren Dubuque: “I think there is just enough hype. I feel very excited for something very special but also I enjoy this kind of thing. Yes, I think the eclipse was worth all the hype and preparation because this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it was unlike anything anyone’s ever seen.”

Senior Alyssa Garon: “I feel like if anybody gets a chance to see an eclipse that they definitely should, because it’s a once in a lifetime experience.”

Senior Brock Greene: “A breathtaking spectacle of the Moon and the Sun. It makes you feel very nervous and small.”

Senior Hannah Strauss: “The eclipse was so surreal. It almost looked like I was watching a movie in the sky.”

Senior Mariah Thomas: “The eclipse probably was the most beautiful thing I have seen in my 17 years of living. Just waiting on the eclipse gave me a sense of calm.”

Sophomore Lauren Daniel: “It was dark all around except the moon and sun. The eclipse lasted for not long, but it was indescribable.”

Senior Caroline Mueller: “I don’t think the hype was worth it because where we live we did not have totality for very long. It was interesting to watch it and all, but l would not travel across the country for this.”

Senior Daylon Harvell: “Not enough [hype] in my personal opinion, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are able to do it for free through our school.”

Sophomore Sophia Westhues: ”The eclipse was not like anything I’ve ever seen, in real life. It was so beautiful, my favorite part was how everyone was equally just as excited to experience the eclipse.”  

Senior Anna Mang: “One of the brightest things I’ve ever seen. When the sun was going down, it was similar to when it’s about to rain.”  

Timeline of the Aug. 21 eclipse assembly:

12:45 p.m. – First floor was released to the football field

12:49 p.m. – The sky was getting more dark, still hot outside

12:52 p.m. – Mrs. Maxwell starts talking about what is going on with the eclipse

12:53 p.m. – The temperature dropped

12:54 p.m. – Playing “Blinded by the Light”

12:57 p.m. – Cheesy jokes were said

1:00 p.m. – 15-minute countdown

1:08 p.m. – There was a small sliver left, temperature dropped to approximately 80 degrees

1:10 p.m. – Lots of people getting excited

1:11 p.m. – More light change

1:15 p.m. – Very dark

1:16 p.m. – Everyone was screaming from excitement

1:17 p.m. – TOTALITY!

1:18 p.m. – Clapping

1:19 p.m. – Cicada confusion