Coronavirus: Braintree Mom Helps Recognize Graduating Seniors

BRAINTREE, MA — Ashleigh Anderson is a senior at Braintree High School, but because of the new coronavirus pandemic, she's missing out on prom, a normal graduation and all the other end of the year activities that make senior year so memorable.

Her mother, Melanie Anderson, was disappointed her daughter and the rest of Braintree's graduating class was missing out, so she came up with a way to make this trying time a little better for them.

Anderson created a Facebook group called "Adopt a 2020 Braintree Senior." The idea of the group is that parents put up pictures and short biographies on their students, so family, friends and even former teachers can "adopt them" and recognize their accomplishments.

"As you know, they're going to be missing something," Anderson told Patch. "They have no idea how big the things are that they’re missing out on. We all know what it’s like to walk across that stage and get recognized for 12 years of accomplishments."

After picking a student, the "adopter" contacts the student's parent or guardian to send a letter, gift card, gift basket or a card to the student to show appreciation for their hard work graduating high school.

The group is open for all Braintree residents, regardless of if their child is a graduating senior at Braintree High School or another school.

"There's lots of kids going to Blue Hills or BC High ...," Anderson said. "We were hoping to make this a surprise for all the kids and just cheer them up a little."

Anderson also wanted to make sure students get recognized even if their parents aren't on Facebook. To get included, send an email to melando1012@gmail.com with a photo, student bio and parent contact information. The contact info will only be shared with the adopter, Anderson said.