With the coronavirus pandemic happening thousands of seniors were left without in-person graduations so Kelli Wyatt, a Philadelphia middle school teacher, created the Adopt a High School Senior program. This program connected 2020 graduates on a Facebook group with people who'd like to send an encouraging token to students. They have received heartfelt cards, words of encouragement and online registry gifts.
“The love has been overwhelming,” Wyatt told “Good Morning America.” “Our students know that their immediate family will always support them, but the outside support is just as important. This group has impacted people’s lives.”
In over one month, 7,000 people from all over the world have joined and over 2,000 members have adopted seniors. On top of that Wyatt created an Adopt-A-Senior scholarship fund and it has already raised over $30,000. Many graduates were awarded up to $1,000 after submitting essays, doing community work or taking part in give-away games.
“It extended far beyond anything I ever expected. Regardless of what’s going on in the world, people still want to do good things for others,” Wyatt said.
This story was originally published by Good Morning America.
For more information: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/teacher-raises-30k-finds-2000-mentors-graduates-adopt-71089125