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As many of you probably are aware of by now, Austin and the surrounding area schools joined the state in turning the lights on over their playing fields as part of Be The Light.

Be The Light is an initiative to support student athletes who have had their season taken from them because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At 8:20 p.m., the lights were turned on for 20 minutes and 20 seconds, honoring the senior class of 2020. Many places took the extra step to display 20:20 on their scoreboards.

This gesture is a much needed positive step, showing these students that the world hasn’t forgotten about them and in many ways, we miss these seasons as much as they do.

The shining lights in the dark literally are a beacon representing the idea that we are all in this together.

Yes, this is simply a gesture of turning on the lights, but it’s profound in its affect. Hundreds of photos circulated online through social media platforms showing the schools that took part and it was amazing the amount of support this state showed.

These athletes spend hours preparing for their season and they are understandably hurt — especially the seniors who will see their final years of high school athletics come to an end. As a whole, athletics are an important part of the high school experience, treasured by students who will remember them as some of the best parts of their time in school.

It’s important that the community recognizes this fact and continues to move forward to support these athletes.

The schools and communities who were part of Be the Light are a credit to the idea of “Minnesota Nice.”