The AHS Senior Adoption Project started in 2020 during the Covid Pandemic. Initially, I was asked to create a Facebook group for the Class of 2020 to share their accolades, photos and memories. Covid had robbed them of their spring, sports, prom, and most importantly, graduation. Rather than a place just to share their memories, I decided to create a group that would reward them; not just the seniors who stood out in sports and academics, but all graduating seniors.
At the beginning of 2021, I was asked if I would be doing the project again. Those seniors had lost, or rearranged, their fall, winter and spring sports, and would be losing homecoming and prom while attending mostly virtual classes.
During that project, we were able to locate every senior, but some didn’t want to participate, and we ended the year with all but about 10 who were adopted and gifted.
We stepped it up for the Class of 2022. Covid restrictions were out, and we implemented giveaways. With that addition, we went out into the community for participation: businesses, restaurants and organizations all donated to the cause, and we were able to reward about 75 seniors throughout the second semester.
Then it was time for the class of 2023 project. This was my most important class because my son and his friends were all graduating, and it was the final year for the AHS Mountaineers. We were going big. It started with a logo I designed specifically for the group-themed “The End!” We started the year off with a private group that raised about $1400, $500 of which went to someone in the community. Then we had a shirt sale that raised about $800.
Then we lost Carter Wickline.
We gave $800 in his name to the Carter Wickline Memorial Scholarship. That was a hard one and time didn’t stand still for us to mourn.
We supplied breakfast for the AHS Staff on National Cereal Day, donuts during Teacher Appreciation Week in, had a cookout at Fyvie Farms, maxing out in attendance, and opened a bank account where we’re working to become a 501c3. We had 173 seniors in the class and all but 35 were posted and adopted. We paid for 6 senior formal photos in the fall and gave a dozen more in the spring, provided funds for students who couldn’t afford cap/tassel & gown for graduations and had enough prizes to give 100+ items. What was left, we donated to the school for the senior class picnic. After graduation, the class of ‘23 celebrated the life of Carter Wickline. With the help of Cliff View Country Club and many others, we held a beautiful “Bench and Tree Dedication” on the 14th Hole, overlooking his favorite golf location. We also raised $900 to add to his memorial scholarship.
This year, the Class of 2024 project, themed “AHS Senior Adoption Project Class of 2024” has opened and we are already fundraising. We have a private group of community members volunteering their time to help. We will start adoptions at the beginning of the 2nd semester. We are also planning another cookout in the spring. Our goal is to provide prizes for every senior.
What we need:
Monetary Donations (cash, check or digital payment)
Prizes (gift cards, certificates, electronics, etc.)
Support
We will also be looking for sponsorship to provide senior recognition ads in the yearbook for those who can’t afford it.
If you wish to help, call 540-816-3856 or email cary.linkswiler gmail.com.
On Facebook: @carymccormicklinkswiler
The Facebook group iswww.facebook.com/groups/ahscougarsclassof2024/ or @ahscougarsclassof2024.
Cashapp: $carylinkswiler
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