— Adopt-A-Senior —

There is no doubt that the class of 2020 will have a unique experience as they receive their diplomas this year. The pandemic has certainly put a damper on the many events that graduating seniors have looked forward to since they were side by side in elementary school. As a way of making sure the seniors receive the congrats that they deserve, this year’s graduating class is being put up for adoption.

Community members have the opportunity to show their love by adopting a senior. Organizer of the “Adopt-A-Senior” program, Stephanie Long, and other volunteer parents, will randomly assign a senior to interested adopters, and give them information about the student. The goal is to ensure that each and every senior receives a little extra applause by way of a card or gift. Community members will be vetted by organizers to ensure they are legitimately interested in providing some extra care for their adoptee. Following the adoption process, organizers will follow up with the students, families, and nominators to make sure they gave and received love.

So far, the program has proven to be successful, as 255 adopters came forward, adopting out the 143 seniors.

“The response from the community has been amazing,” said Jennifer Powell, School Committee Member and parent volunteer. “We weren’t sure what to expect but everyone is pulling together to celebrate our seniors. We can’t make up for what they can’t have, but we can make this time special in a different way.”