Rock Island Today

MOLINE – A newly crafted social media page allows residents to call attention to the accomplishments of high school seniors and ease the disappointment of losing their special events – including graduation – because of the COVID-19 pandemic.    

According to a report in KWQC-TV, a Facebook page has been created for all Quad City high school seniors. “QC Adopt a Senior 2020” has more than 4,600 members with about 50 new posts each day.

United Township and Rock Island High School both have started their own "Adopt a Senior" pages.

“A family member or friend posts a picture of their high school senior with a description of what they did in high school, what their interests are, and what their next steps are," the report said. "Then a community member can adopt that student and send them positive notes and encouragement.”

Jessica Lange designed United Township's version of the "Adopt A Senior" Facebook page. She said there were about 400 members within 24 hours of creating it.

“They (high school seniors) are missing a lot," she told KWQC-TV. "We want to make sure they stay connected to others.” 

Rock Island High School's page designer Kayci Straw said has helped students and parents deal with COVID-19 and losing their school year.

"Being able to see their kids' photos and stories online has helped them cope with what’s going on and recognition,” she said. “It shifted from some of that somber feeling to having happiness and to give back to another Rocky student."

Dozens of United Township seniors have been adopted through the Facebook page. 

One of them is Mackenzie Jones. She said not returning to school for the end of her senior year has been difficult.

"It’s really sad,” she said. “I’ll be honest, I cry a lot. I don't know how else to deal with it all. Just not being able to say goodbye and make the connections is what hits me the most."

Jones is not able to finish her senior year how she wanted to. 

Other students voiced the same sentiments about missing school activities, friendships and school sporting events.

"It was heartbreaking because when we found out, it was after spring break,” one said. “We had left school not knowing it was for the last time. We didn't get to say goodbye to our school friends that once we go to college, we probably won't ever see again."

Kate Jones, Mackenzie's mother, said expressions of support on the Facebook page from people who are not the parents of seniors has been heart-warming.

“People who don't have seniors are hurting with us,” she said. “Hurting with the kids and knowing this is a big thing for them. We all got to have our graduation and our senior prom. It’s so up in the air for them and it hurts my heart."

Mackenzie told KWQC she thinks the Facebook page helps every student feel recognized, not just those who are athletic or extroverted.

"It gives a chance to every student to let their light shine and have someone appreciate what they've done through their senior career and recognize them," she added.