COLUMBUS, Ohio — One central Ohio mom is making sure graduating high school seniors from Columbus are not being left out when it comes to honoring them. It's all happening through the Adopt a Senior project.

• Those who choose to adopt a senior commit to encouraging them through cards and small or large gifts
• Students from Columbus City Schools, career tech schools and a private school are being adopted through the Facebook page
• The page does not replace graduation, but is a way to support students during this time of non-traditional graduations being held

17-year-old Roy Pace spends his afternoon finishing up his anatomy homework. The South High School senior and College Credit Plus student was slated to walk across the stage at the end of this month.

Reflecting on the beginning of the year, Roy Pace said, "I was happy and excited because, you know, the moment of walking across the stage was closer, but I was also nervous because the next chapter of my life was getting ready to start."

But when he realized his graduation may not be what he envisioned because of COVID-19, things changed from his drive to get school work done to his view about one of the most celebratory times of his life.

"Sometimes it's challenging because now that that has just been ripped away, it's like you don't have the motivation to do it because it's like sometimes you feel like you're not working towards anything but you just, I remember like I still gotta do it because no matter if there's a graduation or not I'm still gonna get my diploma," Roy Pace said.

Still, it was tough for his family too. His mom, Crystal Pace said, "These kids...they're looking forward to walking across that stage, umm, hearing their name called, all these people behind them that are cheering them on and you know some that said they couldn't do it and they did do it."

Feeling the weight of disappointment, Crystal Pace created an Adopt a Senior Facebook page honoring the Class of 2020 in Columbus —something many parents across the country are doing. She said the idea behind it all was to "show them the love and support and let them know we stand behind them."

So adults — be it former teachers, caring parents or those just wishing the Class of 2020 well — commit to encouraging them through cards and gifts.

More than 200 students from Columbus City Schools, career techs and a private school have been adopted.

"It's just showing us that there are people out there that care about us and that are standing behind us," said Roy Pace.

Although it doesn't replace graduation, the family says it's been amazing to see the amount of support that's been shown for the Class of 2020. And they're hoping it will continue.

Roy Pace plans to attend The Ohio State University in the fall and wants to go into the pre- med track to major in Biology. Until then, he'll wait to see how his school will carry out graduation.