Local Hoosiers show support for graduates Abby Doriot Staff Writer
In response to all of the things that the class of 2020 is missing out on, the Adopt-aSenior program was created. This program is for seniors, not just in Scottsburg, but everywhere to feel appreciated and acknowledged. “This is special to me because I feel like someone cares. They acknowledge what the seniors are going through and give them something to smile about,” Alyssa Stagnolia (12) said. The program allows families to “adopt” a high school senior. When they “adopt” the senior, they can send them gifts, which makes the senior feel cared for and appreciated. “I think it makes the seniors feel special to be adopted because it lets them know they are appreciated for their accomplishments. Plus, it also says that someone other than their family acknowledges all the hard work
they’ve put in through the years,” said Danili Bramble, who is part of the program. Bramble adopted a senior because she also has a senior, and she knows how hard this time is for them. “The seniors have missed out on so much this year, so who couldn’t use a little pick me up? They’ve missed out on a lot of key milestones for their last year of school, so anything that makes this time special is exactly what they deserve,” Bramble said. Stagnolia’s adopted family, the Richey family, has made her day by just sending simple gifts, such as flowers, to show they care. Stagnolia thinks that this is a great idea for the seniors this year because it puts a smile on their faces and acknowledges what they are going through. While some students are being adopted by people they know, some seniors do not know their adopters. Macy Funk, for example, was adopted by someone she does not even know. “My adopted parent is Derre’ka Jones. I have no idea who she is, but I thought it was
Photo Submitted
Senior Megan Hardin poses with the gift she received from the person that “adopted” her on social media. Hardin is one of many southern Indiana seniors featured on the Adopt-a-Senior group page.
so amazing of her to want to help someone she doesn’t even know during this time,” Funk said. She thought that this program really shows how many good people there are in southern Indiana. She especially loved how all of these people are finding ways to celebrate the seniors. “I think this is an amazing idea, especial-
ly this year, because of everything that has been thrown off track. I hope that even after all of this is over that this group continues to do this for all of the seniors to come,” Funk said. While the class of 2020 has missed out on many different important events, there is no question that they are extremely cared for by the people in our community.
the coronavirus, graduation changed from its familiar public gathering of 3,000 students, teachers, staff, friends, family, and other well-wishers. “Graduation is what I think will be the hardest part of all of this. Graduation is a time to celebrate your child’s accomplishments with family and friends. Since we can’t really do that it feels like a let down following a great year,” Bramble said. Walking across the stage remains on many seniors’ and parents’ minds as the months approach closer to the June graduation date. After all, graduation is the final step in one’s high school career. “As a parent, I feel like we look forward to the end...seeing our child walk across the stage. I pray the events of traditional graduation will be moved or changed but not canceled. Every graduate deserves some sort of recognition,” Jeffries said. Along with graduation, the parents and guardians said the students missed out
on the last few months of final goodbyes, prom, after prom, recognizing people who made an impact in their lives, spring sports season, award banquets, graduation practice, and just plain fun the comes with enjoying their last few months of schooling. “He will be missing all the fun social parts of the end of the senior year. It seems like the students work so hard all year, and when they were finally going to get cut loose the last few months they had to social distance and miss out,” Bramble said. “The class of 2020 deserves these memories,” Justice said. Despite the challenges and loss, seniors continue to keep their heads held high with their parents and guardians right beside them. “I’m so proud of these kids. They’ve been a fun group, and I’m proud of the positive attitudes they’ve kept intact through all of this,” Justice said.
Senior parents grieve lost high school milestones Isabela Diaz Staff Writer
While all eyes are on the seniors themselves, no one really notices the tears falling down the parents’ and guardians’ eyes. Most parents and guardians want to see their child finish their high school years and see all their child’s hard work come to fruition. With the global COVID-19 pandemic, parents and guardians will not witness the full growth of their students. Senior parent, Laura Justice, who is also a teacher at Lexington Elementary, not only witnessed firsthand what students miss out on but knows the struggle of other senior parents and guardians. “I think it’s going to be difficult for me because it’s been a joy watching her grow from preschool to her senior year,” Justice said. Many parents feel this struggle and 6
May 2020
Senior Issue
know how hard it is to not get full closure for their child. Senior parent Malina Jeffries feels her daughter’s emotions of not finishing her high school years. “I have seen her work so hard to accomplish her goals of keeping her 4.0 all 12 years and not to get the final ending accomplishment feeling is the hardest,” Jeffries said. As many parents and guardians feel the loss alongside their students, others try to remain positive. “I have to say I don’t think I will have a hard time getting closure for Deklan. He has been able to start the job he has wanted to do all along a little early. He seems to be handling it just fine,” said Danili Bramble, mother of Deklan Bramble. As Bramble talked about how she was happy her son got an early start to what he wanted to do all along, she mentioned graduation. With many big events having to be canceled, changed, or moved due to
