GREENFIELD — When the Greenfield High School Class of 2020 walks across the stage at the Franklin County Fairgrounds during this year’s graduation ceremony on May 30, students will be honored with more than their high school diploma.
Greenfield High School math teacher and Student Council Advisor Angela Mass has been spearheading an effort to “adopt a senior,” and provide each student with a Greenfield High School Alumni Association tote bag filled with roughly $50 worth of gift cards and merchandise.
“So far it has been launched on Facebook and through word of mouth, but we’re getting fairly close to our goal between what has come in and what has been pledged,” Mass said.
The effort came together as Mass, members of the Greenfield High School Alumni Association and the greater community brainstormed ways to honor the Class of 2020, after their senior year was cut short due to extended school closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They have since coordinated with the school and partnered with local businesses to collect gifts for each of the 69 graduating seniors.
“It has been so amazing,” Mass said of the community effort. “To know the community has rallied together and is there for each other … It’s been overwhelming and so positive in a time where things can seem so bleak.”
Mass said the effort involved reaching out to businesses to request gift certificates at $5 each. Organizers have offered to pay up to $300 for 60 $5 gift cards, and have asked businesses to donate the remaining nine gift cards. Mass said Mesa Verde and other businesses even offered to double the value of the gift cards to $10, donating the extra money themselves.
“The kids will feel supported by the community, and it’s supporting our local businesses,” Mass explained. “It’s a win-win.”
She hopes to have all of the donations collected by May 15, so the bags can be passed along to Greenfield High School Principal Karin Patenaude. She will place students’ diplomas and their awards associated with athletic and academic achievements in the bags, which will be handed out on graduation day.
Mass has been teaching at the school for 21 years. She said it has been rewarding to see things “come full circle,” as former students are now adults giving back to the school community.
After nearly all school activities were canceled for the spring, Mass said she heard from multiple families and parents that “wept” with joy upon learning the Greenfield High School graduation would be held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds this year. She said they were relieved to learn of the planning that went into making the night a special one for the Class of 2020.
“Graduation might look different, but they will not go unrecognized,” Mass said.
Checks for donations can be made out to the Greenfield High School Alumni Association at P.O. Box 1332, Greenfield, MA, 01302 with ‘Adopt A Senior’ written in the memo line. Donors can also Venmo Andie Drew of the alumni association @andiethejewel.
“While we have suggested $50 to ‘adopt a senior,’ we certainly will accept a lower amount,” Mass noted. “The more we get, the more the kids get.”