Class of 2020
“Seniors 2020, The One Where They Were Quarantined” By Hayley Mattson
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hroughout the days of COVID, several Facebook Groups have formed to offer support. Gathering individuals that are willing to be of service and assisting those in need. As the weeks went on and schools became closed indefinitely, there was a unified sense of loss for our youth that would be graduating high school. This loss ignited a fire within Regina Orosco, a parent and North County community member that lives in Atascadero. Regina had stumbled upon a Facebook Group that was created in Southern California at her old alma mater. The group featured high school seniors from around the county that were being “adopted” by parents, teachers, community members, and local businesses. Regina quickly looked up San Luis Obispo County, to see if we had anything like it and realized there was not. She spoke to a few friends, and the response she received was excited and supportive. So she launched the Facebook Group “Adopt a High School Senior 2020 San Luis Obispo County.” With a “Friends” like theme for a logo and the saying “Seniors 2020, The One Where They Were Quarantined,” the group began to receive some attention. First, from friends and family and then it started to spread like wildfire. When Regina started the group, she had no idea how many people would jump on board and get
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involved. “We have retired teachers, local business, and community members adopting our seniors from all areas of the county,” she said. “It is a way we can all share our love and support. Some of these kids may be the first in their families to graduate, or go off to college, walking in your cap and gown is a big deal, and that is why I knew I had to do something.” Regina does not have a senior in high school, but she and her husband are very involved in the local school district by helping with non-profit organizations and PTA’s. She herself has adopted ten different seniors and will continue to do more. “The most important part of all of this is to let these kids know that they are supported, and we are all behind them during this time.” As we all continue to walk through this pandemic, Regina’s number one goal is to provide a space that offers hope and joy. “This is a hard time, there is nothing to look forward to, but in this group, it is all positive no negative. I look forward to waking up and checking the feed to see who posted a video or what student was adopted or who still needs adopting,” she shared with us. Regina and the 2800 plus members have adopted over 500 seniors from around the county, and she is hoping to hit 1000 by June 3. So, what does it mean to “adopt” a senior? A parent or guardian may add their senior to
the group by posting a photo along with details about their personality, achievements, school, community involvement, and future goals. The student is then tagged with an “adopt” button that allows community members to see their profiles and adopt them if they are able. “We made a rule that each child is only allowed to be adopted once; that way, every student has the ability to be adopted” Regina said. She continued, “once the student is adopted, the adopter and parent set up a time to “surprise” the student by arranging a visit. These visits maintain social distancing and safety for both parties. They are filled with love and laughter, and you can see the pure joy on the student’s face, and that is how I know we are making a difference.” “This is a joint community effort” Regina said, “I am just hosting the page and trying to do my part in all this. It is an honor to see the community come together and support our youth during this time. We are making long-lasting relationships for years to come, and my hope is that the students continue to share their updates and life as they go off to college or get their first job, so we can continue to support them as they grow.” Regina said that she will keep the group going through the end of June and then transition it into something everyone can follow the progress of the students that have adopted. She is not sure what that will look like and will focus on
that later on, but for now, she will continue to do her best in making sure every student that wants to be adopted is with the help of our incredible community. For more information or to get involved, visit the Facebook Group at “Adopt a High School Senior 2020San Luis Obispo County.”
PRHS Senior Alayna Henry and adopter Sandra Stratman
PRHS Senior Adrian Guzman & Tyler Leon
PRHS Cassie Petrie Eddy (center) and adopters Hayley Lacey and Carlotta Racca
Paso Robles Magazine | June 2020