COVID-19, with all of its negativities and depressing complexities, has taken over the lives of billions of people. From the islands of Indonesia to small towns in North Dakota, everyone has been affected by the malicious virus. To keep the public safe, governments globally have implemented stay at home orders in hopes of lessening the infection rate. Although the orders are in the best interest of the public, it has had some unfortunate consequences, especially for the graduating Class of 2020. While this may seem insignificant to some, to at least three million high school seniors in the just the U.S alone, it is a topic of great sadness. Due to the virus, the last few months of their high school career were spent in their homes, separated from their friends and teachers. In addition to this, memorable events such as prom, senior nights, and graduation have reasonably been canceled/postponed for their own protection. Nonetheless, positive outcomes have peaked through the depressing events. 

All throughout social media and online platforms, people are sending their love to the graduating class. People of great status have come together with good intentions in an attempt to remind the seniors that they have not been forgotten in the midst of the pandemic: John Krasinski hosted a virtual prom with celebrity guests to give the seniors some sort of last dance, Miley Cyrus brought back a classic,“The Climb”, to remind seniors that this obstacle is one that they will overcome with hope, past presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, preaching that the Class of 2020 is one full of change makers and will never be forgotten. Thousands through a new virtual era are coming together to make each other feel loved and cared for, despite economic disparities and age. Furthermore, the celebration of the graduates is currently carrying on through local communities. 

On Facebook, people have created groups in accordance to their town, county, or state to which members of those communities can adopt seniors. Founders of #AdoptASenior groups thought that “Sending love and best wishes” to seniors was relatively pointless. Instead, they created the groups in hope of members showing their love with physical objects. Of course the objects are cherished for their material, but more so than that they are loved by seniors because the objects remind them that they are not alone in this unprecedented time.  

The process of adopting a senior or wanting to put a senior up for adoption is relatively simple. First, find an #AdoptASenior group on Facebook; if you are putting a senior up for adoption, look for a smaller group (ex. #AdoptASenior Petaluma) to increase their chances of being adopted. Secondly, to put a senior up for adoption, just post a bio of them – their accomplishments, future school, what they like – and at the top of the bio type #unadopted, along with a few photos of the senior. Soon, someone will message you wishing to adopt the senior! The person that adopted the senior might send gift cards, lotions, cash, school merchandise, or other items. Adopting a senior is extremely gratifying as you can show that you care for them and are remembering them. 

Moreover, because of COVID-19, communities have been brought closer together virtually and are supporting each other now more than ever. Additionally, the Class of 2020 will undoubtedly never be forgotten.