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DESTREHAN – Middle school teacher Destiney Gullion saw firsthand this week how a little drop of kindness creates a ripple effect. For 2020 graduating seniors, missed milestones have been exchanged for unrelenting community support and the reassurance that their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Gullion’s “Adopt a 2020 Senior River Parishes edition” Facebook group, created on a whim late Sunday night, amassed 7,000 members in less than five days. Nearly 1,000 seniors have been “adopted,” meaning kind-hearted community members have volunteered to celebrate their accomplishments by sending gift cards, T-shirts, cash and other graduation goodies.

Gullion opened a group for the River Parishes after seeing a similar page for a northern Louisiana community. The impact has flourished beyond her wildest dreams. The group now features seniors from all eight River Parish schools and the surrounding region, including some colleges.

“As long as it’s positive and we are helping to build our community up, I’m all for it. They’ve lost so much already. There’s so much uncertainty that this is just something that can brighten their day,” Gullion said. “This huge thing has happened that no one could prepare for or understand how to live through. This could help the students feel a community hug. We’re here for you. We understand what you’re going through is hard, and we are proud of you.”

The loss seniors face is larger than cancelled proms and graduation ceremonies. It’s not being able to get a warm embrace and a “congratulations” from extended family. It’s feeling uncertain for the future after scouts couldn’t come out to offer a lifechanging baseball scholarship. It’s a lack of closure and the reality that life will never be as it was before the school year’s abrupt end.

As seniors open the next chapter, Gullion hopes connections made through the Adopt a 2020 Senior page will foster lifelong friendships and mentorships.

Teacher Shelby Waguespack was one of the first to get on board. She remembers the uncertainty she felt when Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana during her high school years.

“I see firsthand day in and day out the magnitude of how impactful just a simple gesture and a random act of love and kindness can actually be,” Waguespack said. “These times are so uncertain, but then again, so is the future. I can’t replace the memories for them, but I can hopefully play my small part in helping them feel loved and supported.”

Group member Den’Trell White said he was feeling “really Tyler Perryish” this week when he decided to adopt 100 Class of 2020 seniors. On Thursday, he was excited to increase that number to 150 seniors with a sponsorship from Office Depot Store No. 2226 in Atlanta, Georgia. As a proud veteran, White made it a priority to adopt seniors that are enlisting in the military so they can receive a nice gift before leaving for basic training.

Others are giving back to the senior class with professional services. Krystin Kospelich of KKD Photography is coordinating with hair and makeup artists to gift free photo sessions to three seniors in need. Other 2020 seniors can receive photography at a 50 percent off discounted price. After adopting her first senior early this week, Kospelich was happy to have made a difference.

“I just wanted to bring her some happiness during this sad time,” she said. “It’s something positive when there’s so much negativity around, and it’s just nice to see everyone coming together to help these seniors.”

Kospelich encourages all to share news of the group to broaden the network of giving. Gullion said there is not a set minimum or maximum amount for giving as long as it comes from the heart.

DHS senior Harlon Compton’s greatest wish was to get a TWIC card to be able to get a job straight out of high school. At $125, he felt it was too expensive to ask for. Almost instantly, Compton was co-adopted by five generous people who sent him more than enough to apply for his TWIC card and launch his welding career.

“This means that there’s other people behind you to back you up, who want you to achieve what you want to do in life,” Compton said.

Ariana Barraco was most looking forward to senior prom and having the night of her life with her high school friends. Soon, she will be off to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study pre-dental hygiene and try out for the cheer team.

Barraco was touched to see the response to her Adopt a Senior profile.

“I think it’s a great idea. It’s super sweet, and I felt really special when I saw it,” Barraco said. “Even though we didn’t get to have our senior festivities at the end of the year, it means a lot to see that the people in our community really care about us and want to make sure we still leave high school with great memories.”

Senior Heidi Hymel is planning to join the U.S. Air Force after life returns to normal. As one of the first to join the group, Hymel enjoyed watching it expand past Destrehan, Hahnville and St. Charles Catholic to include every school in the region.

“I like that everyone’s having a chance to be included. It’s cool to see how fast it’s growing, to see everyone work together, and to see how much people care,” Hymel said. “People are putting in so much effort to make us feel like we’re special and that we can still have the opportunities and advantages of our senior year.”

To join the excitement, submit a photo of your senior to “Adopt a 2020 Senior River Parishes edition” on Facebook, along with his or her school, interests and needs.