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The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools across the state to shutdown before the 2019-2020 school year was scheduled to end, leaving high school seniors without two very important memories: prom and graduation.
In the Permian Basin, community members are coming together with help from a Facebook group, to support and encourage the senior class of 2020.The Facebook group "Adopt a high school senior - Permian Basin area" was created to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 500 local high school seniors, according to News West 9. Locals willing to "adopt" a high school senior are encouraged to send them "a letter, cards, gifts, food, treats, gift cards or whatever you can afford to encourage them the best way we can," according to the Facebook group.
Natalie Rhodes decided to adopt a senior because she has fond memories of her high school experience. "I loved high school and I loved my senior year and I would give almost anything to go back and relive it and it sucks that these kids don't get to experience the fun that I did and that we did," Rhodes told News West 9.
Rhodes adopted Loryn Glass, a senior at Lee High School, according to News West 9. Glass is already thinking about everything she will miss now that her last school year has been cut short, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "We're not gonna get to walk the stage, we're not getting to go to prom, we don't get a senior night, we don't get to finish the rest of our softball season," Glass told News West 9. "It's pretty unfortunate and upsetting."
Rhodes received a list of things Glass enjoys, and will send her gifts to lift her spirits. "I don't know if it's the gift part of it that makes you happy but just the fact that someone cares about you and wants to make you feel better about the situation that's going on," Glass told News West 9.
To "adopt" a high school senior in the Permian Basin area, click here.