Nonprofit Mississippi News VICKSBURG – As her senior year progressed, Khya Gaines became more focused on making memories with her classmates, including senior prom, field day, and graduation. These moments were quickly lost when Mississippi schools were closed for the rest of the year because COVID-19 cases continued to spread throughout the state. Gaines stated that she was more upset than sad. Gaines said that while the school year was about completing the year, at the end of it, it was really all about having fun and (was) more relaxing. Gaines is just one of nearly 29,000 high-school seniors who have missed out on the much-anticipated rites, such as senior trips or walking the stage for a formal graduation ceremony. Gov. Gov. Community members from all over the state “adopted” students in order to support them during the pandemic. They offered their support in many ways, including money, letters and mentorship. Tchula native Sequita H.-Hood organized the initiative along with Marcus Baker, a Holmes County native. The alumni sponsored more than 198 seniors in Holmes County. Volunteers who adopt students give them resources and gifts to make them successful after graduation. Harris-Hood stated that this is not about giving money to students, but giving them the tools they need and helping them navigate college. Because of where we are, there isn’t a lot to teach students credit and not getting student loans. Some students may not wish to go to college. She said that some students may be interested in the work force. She said that some may want to go into the workforce. Shella Head, an activist in the community, boasted about the efforts of Harris Hood and Baker. She also said that Holmes County is more than the headlines show — “the poorest county, in the poorest country in the United States.” People assume that Holmes County residents are lazy and can’t do anything. Head stated that this is not true. Head stated, “These children are in pain because they won’t ever cross the stage. So we said let us adopt them all.” Head adopted two seniors and said that this was a true community effort, without the involvement of the superintendent or any local officials. Dawn Stevenson, her cousin and Vicksburg were inspired to help their friends and children. To reach other parents, they created the Facebook page Adopt High School Senior Vicksburg & Warren County Class 2020. This allows them to send letters, cards and other gifts to seniors. She said that within a week, almost 400 students had been adopted. The page currently has 3,551 users. She stated that the goal was to show children they were not forgotten and that they are loved. “They worked hard over the past 12 years, and we made sure that they were recognized.” Missy Tello, the parent of Nick Tello (a senior at Warren Central High), asked parents for ways to honor seniors. District officials reached an agreement with Missy Tello to film each student’s graduation and create a video that would show the moment. Signs were also placed in the yards of each senior. Others created Facebook groups for Oktibbeha County or Rankin County, and posted about them. Individuals interested in sponsoring seniors in Sunflower County can choose from $25 to $50 for gold, green, or white packages for Thomas E. Edwards Senior High School students, Robert L. Merritt High School students, and Gentry High School senior citizens. A gift card, custom senior gear, and a frameable portrait sign are all possible. A nationwide group of 44,000 members highlights seniors from the state. Students expressed sadness at the end of their final year and expressed gratitude for the support and assistance they received from the communities. Gaines received dorm supplies, cash app requests, and care packages from people in Texas. Many students stated that, while acts of kindness are helpful, they cannot help but think about the painful memories of the 2020 class who lost their classmates to the pandemic. “This would have been my first year at prom. Nick Tello stated that he asked Nick Tello if he could take someone to prom. “I don’t know if it will be possible and we were supposed go to the indoor percussion world championships, Dayton, Ohio. The rest of the season was cancelled. Last band and choir concert. Graduation. Band banquet. Choir banquet. It was all ripped apart.” Quinana Dotson, a senior at Clarksdale High School, shared Tello’s feelings. She said that the shorter year had caused her to feel uncertain. “I was unsure about the future, from my grades to senior activities such as prom. Dotson stated that graduation was what she was most looking forward to. Mary Beth Tingle, a Warren Central High School senior, said she was worried about her college readiness. Tingle stated that she was taking English Comp II and AP Calculus and AP Chemistry. Both are crucial for my major and the classes she will be taking next school year at Mississippi State University. I was concerned about what information might be lost. What is the time frame? Are I going to be ready when I go to college?” The students agreed that looking forward to the future helped them to cope with the end of their senior year activities. Gaines is excited to start the next chapter of her career, and major in Biology Pre-Med at Xavier University of Louisiana. She encouraged the class of 2020 “keep your head high.” “Things don’t go according to plan, and it isn’t our fault or anybody’s fault that we’re going through it,” she stated. It’s better to look for the positive outcomes. “It’s best to see the positive outcome.