UPLIFT A GRADUATING SENIOR: ‘ADOPT’ THEM
With Vacaville public schools still in lockdown due to the pandemic, it’s been a gloomy senior year for the Class of 2021.
The community could be a bright spot in their lives as participants in the “Adopt-a-Grad” project, slated to bring smiles to their faces and add a spring to their steps.
“It’s just an uplifting and really cool thing,” explained Summyr Fien, a project organizer.
The mom of a graduating senior, Fien said she and others saw the heartbreaking losses experienced by last year’s seniors, including dances, prom, football games and just spending their final year with friends.
As 2020 came to a close, though, many parents also heard about the “Adopt-a-Grad” project sweeping the nation and decided to grab onto it for Vacaville.
How it works is simple — think of Secret Santa events, though whether the secrecy remains in place is up to the giver.
Parents of graduating seniors are asked to join the Vacaville High Class of 2021 Parents Facebook page at www.facebook. com/groups/282089476224609. Post a photo of your senior, along with a blurb about them, their likes and, perhaps, dislikes.
When someone “adopts” them, they agree to give a gift and make arrangements with the senior’s parent for delivery.
“It could be a one-time gift, once a month, whatever they’re comfortable with,” Fine shared.
The average amount spent on a senior is estimated at about $50-$150, said fellow parent and organizer Dina MacDonald.
Again, what the giver can afford and is comfortable with.
When a student has been adopted, the Facebook group will reflect that. Those that are still available will be highlighted.
“The goal is everybody gets something,” Fien said.
Just imagine the smiles, the women said, guaranteeing that there will be many. Who wouldn’t appreciate a little bit of sunshine, right? Something happy to boost their motivation when their spirits may be lagging?
Organizers are trying to get participants from all Vacaville high schools. Everyone, they said, is welcome.
“We just really want to promote an opportunity for the community to lift up our students,” MacDonald pointed out.
On a side note, last year’s lawn signs for Vaca High graduating seniors were such a hit that they’ll be available for the Class of 2021, as well.
Thanks to a donation from the Taylor Family Foundation of Livermore, the signs have been paid for, Fien said.
Donations from the Vacaville Police Activities League and the Vacaville City Firefighters Charity Fund will pay for other activities and incidentals for seniors, she advised.
Financial donations are also appreciated and can be made to Vacaville High School Parent Teacher Club, 100 West Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville, Attention: Adopta-Grad. Donations are tax deductible and receipts are available upon request.
For more information or to sign up your senior, visit www.facebook.com/ groups/282089476224609. Or, email vacahighptc@ gmail.com. Credit card contributions can also be made via email.