Riverhead Comes Together To 'Adopt' High School Seniors

RIVERHEAD, NY — After a senior year derailed by the coronavirus, the community is coming together to give Riverhead High School's Class of 2021 a final few months to remember for the rest of their lives.

A new Facebook page, "Adopt a Riverhead High School Senior 2021" gives members of the community a chance to give back to seniors who have seen many dreams cut short.

"Last year the community and families of the seniors managed an amazing feat of virtual support and love for their seniors," wrote Keri Stromski, a teacher who became involved with the project as the mom of a senior herself. "This year, the senior class needs it now more than ever. They had the end of their junior year taken from them by Covid, and this year many have suffered even more due to a failed budget. These kids have missed so much. If there was ever a time to send them love, it’s now."

Parents of seniors are able to go to the Facebook page and, along with adding a photo of their senior if they choose to, they can mention all their student's accomplishments, in school and out, how they have persevered during an unprecedented year, and their goals for the future.

People can come to the page and "adopt" a senior; that senior then has "adopted" written at the top of their post.

The person who has adopted a senior should then send a private message to the family to arrange how to provide support and to learn about the student's interests, including their plans for the future, favorite activities or hobbies, favorite coffee spots or restaurant — and then, once a month, send a little gift or token, Stromski said.

"If a senior you had hoped to adopt is taken, please choose another so all seniors feel the love, but feel free to send love and encouragement to the one you have a connection to, as well. The more love the better," she said.

Those who adopt a senior can send them cards and notes on upcoming holidays including Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter; they can also make posters and show support for those involved with spring clubs, sports, and music events, now that the Board of Education has voted to bring those activities back this spring.

One idea is to make the 21st of each month a "special day for seniors, as their year is 2021," Stromski said. "They've been through so much. We all have. Let’s pull together and show these students they matter, we care, and this community has not forgotten about them."

The Riverhead Parent Teacher Student Organization has also been doing special events for seniors throughout the year; and the Riverhead Central Faculty Association has supported the seniors by purchasing chalk for the "Chalk the Walk" event, as well as providing magnet decals for every senior at Christmas, Stromski said.

Those who participate in the "Adopt A Riverhead High School Senior 2021" event can send cards and small gifts leading up to graduation.

"The goal is to have a steady stream of support from the parents and community to help these kids 'cross the finish line,' so to speak," Stromski said. "This class has truly had a challenging time."

Due to the pandemic, students have not been at school in person five days a week since March 12. Some kids are seeing their friends' pictures on the Facebook page and it’s the first time they are seeing them since schools were shuttered due to the pandemic, Stromski said.

"This class was a special class of kids. One of the nicest, hard-working classes we’ve had in Riverhead," Stromski said. "Any encouragement will be appreciated and go so far."

The idea has garnered steady support: So far, about 85 seniors have been adopted out of the 400-plus graduating this year.

The struggle, Stromski said, is “finding” a lot of the students. The initiative has only been shared on Facebook, and many families and students don’t have Facebook, she said. The hope is to spread the word so as many seniors who want to be, can be “adopted” receive support in many little ways.

"It’s truly inspiring to read the amazing accomplishments these students have, especially during such a challenging time," Stromski said. "Their plans for the future are also inspiring. These seniors will make Riverhead proud — as they have done so since they started kindergarten."

Students across the board have been struggling during the pandemic, and the school district is reaching out to help.

Friday, Stromski added, is "P.S. I Love You Day," a day when the high school administration asks students to wear purple to show support for those struggling with mental health and also aims to raise awareness about bullying.

The PTSO, she said, has set up balloon arches by the main entrance as well as back entrance. "Wouldn't it be beautiful if, on this day and the week of Valentine's Day, the whole community embraces these kids and lets them know they care?" she asked.

As for the effort to celebrate seniors, Stromski said: "Every time I see a new senior posted, it’s like seeing a light after a long dark night. They are coming back one by one. I want the community to be there for them. Kind of like when you see the first star in the sky at night . . . and soon it’s full of stars. That’s this group of seniors."