As the entire world is shaken by Covid-19, seniors everywhere are getting the short end of the stick. They will miss out on their proms, graduations, and last few weeks of high school after four years of hard work and dedication. They need a little cheering up right now, and that is exactly the goal of Adopt a Senior.

Kim Verity and Barbara Gonzales first started the Adopt a Senior page in Garland ISD, Dallas ISD, and Rockwall ISD.

“I saw how much success the pages were having and how happy the seniors were when they received their presents. This observation made me reflect on my own daughter, who is a senior at Wylie High School,” Robotics and Engineering teacher Candice Lawrence said. “Then my thoughts moved towards my awesome students at Wylie East High School. I asked Kim and Barbara to help me get one started in Wylie.”

Created April 12 this year, the Wylie Isd Adopt a Senior page has over 2000 members and is growing fast. Everyone is sending love to the seniors of their communities with gifts dropped off on door steps.

“I really feel, the seniors that have been adopted, have had their spirits lifted by others. Sometimes, the senior and the adopter are complete strangers,” Lawrence said. “I feel this really shows our seniors that they matter to our community and they haven’t been forgotten. I hope they feel honored!”

After joining the facebook group, members can put their seniors “up for adoption” by creating a post about them. Members choosing to adopt a senior, simply comment ‘adopt’ on the post. Then the adopter and poster communicate about gift arrangements.

“I am a moderator for this Facebook group and have worked tirelessly to reach EVERY senior in our community: Wylie East, Wylie High, Achieve, Choice, and Home schooled students.” Mrs. Lawrence said.

Coach Taylor Hanes adopted Yasmin Watkins, Gunner Stone and Kyleigh Cano.

“It has been amazing,” Coach Taylor Hanes said. “The students’ faces light up when they get a gift which makes it totally worth it.”

Most of the seniors in Wylie have already been adopted by students, parents, teachers, administrators, local companies and businesses, and others participating to support the seniors of 2020.

“I can’t imagine being in the boat these seniors are in. I think back to my senior year of high school and remember all the memories that were made the last semester,” Coach Hanes said. “I hate that our senior students and athletes are missing out on so many things and I pray for them all the time.”

There’s still time before school ends, so please adopt a senior today. It could mean a lot to someone right now.

“I am not just a teacher, they are not just my students. Their parents aren’t just parents, we are all a family. If I would have known when we left for Spring Break that I would never get to have those ‘moments’ that turn into long-term memories again, I would have hugged a little longer, smiled a little more, and would have been “present” a little more when any senior was in my room. We would have been able to say goodbye to our family, have closure, and be able to wish each other well and know life will never be the same again,” Mrs. Lawrence said. “You just never know when your last moment is with someone so don’t take any moment for granted,”

To join the movement, please go to “Adopt a SR!! (Wylie)” on Facebook.

“This class of seniors is some of the most amazing students that have stolen my heart. These students are faced with the loss of some of the most pivotal moments of their high school career, yet they are striving to finish big and give their all,” Mrs. Lawrence said. “I am impressed with their perseverance and I know they will go do great things for this world. I am honored I was able to be a small part of their journey.”