When Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam closed all schools last March for the remainder of the school year, people immediately jumped into action to soothe disappointed high school seniors with an ad-hoc Facebook group called “Adopt-A-Senior.” Seniors were showered with gifts of treats, trinkets and gift cards from friends and strangers on regular basis.
Now a group of Newport News mothers is doing the same for the class of 2021. Kim Bell Vinson, Theresa Ramirez and Christie Hubbard started Adopt-A-Senior for the class of 2021. The idea is to cheer up students who are losing out on the usual senior year festivities.
Classes are currently online for Hampton Public Schools and Newport News Public Schools seniors. Poquoson Public Schools are in a hybrid status. York County seniors just returned to the classroom this month.
Vinson said people who adopt a senior can do anything from dropping off a balloon with cookies, a restaurant gift certificate, a bag of snacks or college gear of the school they plan to attend.
“Be creative. You don’t have to break the bank. It is just to show someone you care. Anything to put a smile on their face,” Vinson said.
To guide the adopter in gift giving ideas, a form is provided with the student’s preferences from their favorite candy to their favorite color.
She noted that people frequently ask how often they need to drop off gift. She said that it depends on their schedule.
“If you are able to do it once a week, that’s great. If you can only do it once a month, that’s great too,” Vinson said.
To maintain social distancing, she recommends leaving the gifts on the student’s front porch.
She pointed out that the class of 2021 is missing out more than the class of 2020 who at least had homecoming and a few other events including fall and winter sports. With the uncertainty of when Newport News and Hampton schools will open, there could be nothing.
Editor’s Note: My daughter, Charlotte, a member of the Menchville High School Class of 2020, was adopted by Maggie McCay of Hampton, last year. We did not know Maggie. About every other week, she brought joy to our home with gifts of candy, snacks, trinkets and other gifts. The crowning gift was a beach towel embroidered with Charlotte’s name in Virginia Tech colors, where Charlotte is currently a freshman.
To participate visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/227016372377570
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