Fairfax County Senior Rallies Support For 2020 Class With Signs

VIENNA, VA — After schools were directed to close for the rest of the academic year in light of the new coronavirus pandemic, seniors saw the final chapter of their high school experience abruptly end. With events like prom and potentially graduation not happening in person, a group of seniors wanted to maintain that bond with classmates.

After Loudoun County seniors Arianna Wright and Aiden Bullis came up with the idea to sell class of 2020 signs and distributed 1,000, Abby Diamond wanted the same concept in Fairfax County. The Madison High School senior has started to sell signs reading "Class of 2020 senior #allinthistogether" in support of the 2020 graduates. So far, she's sold about 100 and has reached various high schools. A similar effort is happening in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Diamond decided to get involved knowing how the end to the school year has affected fellow seniors. As a student government member for all four years, she was involved with planning activities around graduation, pep rallies and dances.

"It's been tough for sure, especially since I am so active in my school. At first it was very emotional," she told Patch. She is learning to cope with the situation but believes her peers may need closure.

So far, she's reached families in schools such as Madison, Oakton, Chantilly, South Lakes, Herndon, Marshall, Fairfax, Westfield, Centreville, Medeira, Bishop O'Connell High School and Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School.

"A few people have ordered extra so they can surprise their neighbors," she said.

Diamond and other Madison students are brainstorming some other ways to keep classmates engaged during the school closure. They're exploring ideas such as an alternative to prom at a later date, car parades and a "chalk the town" activity.

Families interested in purchasing a sign can fill out the Google form and arrange curbside pickup by emailing FairfaxSeniors2020@gmail.com. If a person isn't able to pick signs up, she can offer delivery. Venmo is the preferred payment option, but cash and check are also accepted.

Diamond asks anyone with the sign to post a picture on social media with the #allinthistogether hashtag.