*music
Hello my name is April Ford. I currently live in the Hinesville, Georgia area.
Hinesville area down by Fort Stewart. I started the love on a high
school senior group back like April the 7th or something like that, the group
initially was just supposed- I never expected the group to be what it is now. It was
just really just started just to show the class of 20, the high school seniors that
were graduating this year just a little bit of love. When the whole pandemic
started you know us as adults like we had- like what we knew as normal,
like something as simple as toilet tissue, we couldn't find we couldn't find
toilet paper. So you have these babies that one Monday they were at school and
the next day you know the school that you know they're- they're not in school
anymore. And so and then as the week's went on you
know okay there's no prom, there's the possibility of no graduation, and they
don't have- once this chapter closes they don't get it back. That was one of
the main things- one of the main goals of starting the group was just to show them that they are-
are they are appreciated in their hard work isn't in vain.
My name is Tony Gregg Jr. and I'm graduating from Lee County High School.
And I will be attending Valdosta State University in Fall 2020. And I'm from Lee County
How do I know Tony ? I know him- he is actually a friend of my
niece's, they go to high school together and he was actually on the love your
senior 2020 Facebook page.
Crystal, why did you choose to adopt me?
We chose to adopt you Tony because your profile lined up with our values as a
family and it also allowed us to see that there is much more good in this
world and not only that you are a young man wanting to go to college and to be
successful but you're also a young black man whose striving for change
and difference. And so we wanted to help you in any way possible to reach your
goals because we believe in you and that's why we adopted you. As Tony is my
adoptee, I think the first thing that I did because there- the host site does have a
sheet that they put out with things that students like and you know things
that they may need. And so what I did was I reached out to your mom Tony and I
just asked her you know, if you had a laptop and what are the requirements and so
she told me that you had one but I think that she was gonna get you a new one
just for school and so we looked at Valdosta State's website and we checked
the specs for the computer and due to that what you picked out is perfect. So
you'll be probably receiving a notification probably within a day or so
just to go and pick it up. So you know we're just very proud of you, very proud of you.
Thank you very much, I can't even talk right now.
It makes me feel very happy knowing that I have another extra person that cares
about me and about my well-being and what I go through at
school and everything. I don't really think I have another person just just look over me,
basically like a mentor and a friend.
You know, we got you, you know and just that
extra layer for your mom. You know mom is always gonna be there you know so mom is
always mom but just to have that extra layer of support that's huge when it
comes to being successful in college and we do say it often and it has become
cliche but it does take a village to raise a child and it takes more than
your immediate family just to have someone in your corner is is huge it's
invaluable. Tony what has being quarantined during this time, what have
you learned most about yourself?
I've learned most about myself is that I have- I
have like great friends and I'm a person that cares a lot and I text, I know like once a week
like either once a week or twice a week to check on my friends
and everything. Then find out- one of my of my friends had an uncle or auntie that
had COVID-19, and then recently I think we hung out I think last week, we hung out
last week and he was like my auntie beat COVID-19 and I was
like- we was just happy, we was just happy in the car and I was driving had to pull over because I got
too happy. And then next thing you know I'm like okay I gotta check my friends out and everything.
So I'm like a really caring person and everything.
I know that to be true, I know that
definitely you are one that just looks to make sure the people that are
connected to you are okay and I want to make sure that you
maintain that quality not only here in high school but also
when you get to Valdosta State because that is going to serve you well.
My message to the Class of 2020, you guys are amazing.
You are simply amazing, you have endured so many things. We laugh about it, you
guys were around- you were being born during 9/11 so now you get to tell
the story that you survived COVID-19 during your high school graduation.
If you can overcome this you can overcome anything, you guys are ready, you are
ready to conquer the world so continue to please and strive for greatness and
just know that it's all up to you. You can do it.