Once dismissed as an urban, distant problem, COVID-19 has erupted around the country affecting the lives of millions. 

In Park County, everyone has been asked to stay home and practice safe social distancing. In other words, cancel your plans, work from home, finish school online and enjoy distance learning. 

Humans thrive on social interaction. It brings them a sense of joy and happiness. To hear one  must self-isolate is a hard pill to swallow for some.

“When I first heard we had to self isolate, I didn’t believe it,” sophomore Traci Gutierrez said. “It felt like the world came to a stop.” 

In a time like this, it is easy to feel alone and discouraged. Hyperfocusing on the negative seems to be second nature. People hoard supplies, fail to practice safe social distancing and endanger the lives of others. 

But a beautiful thing has emerged as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Although not together physically, communities have found ways to come together. In Park County specifically, social media has become a reliable and useful outlet.

“Community support groups are popping up like crazy,” Gutierrez said. “I’ve seen people offering to deliver groceries to those isolated at home, parents sharing indoor games and activities to do with children and ultimately just helping those in need.” 

One such group is Love Thy Neighbor, which was created on March 14 by Rhiannon Morlan. 

“I initially created the group to provide support for one another, share encouraging words and help each other out as we could,” Morlan said. “It morphed into this amazing thing now where we not only do everything I mentioned, but with donations and business owners support, we are able to provide meals to families in need.

 “I just want to express my gratitude to everyone that has been able to assist through donations, volunteering time and monetary support. This group wouldn’t be what it is without any of you. At the end of the day, my heart smiles because it’s all of us helping all of us.” 

But the love doesn’t stop there. Heather Clarkson, mother to PHS senior McKenzie Clarkson, recently started a Facebook group for PHS, the Shoshone Learning Center and home-schooled seniors.

“I made the Adopt a 2020 Powell Senior after my friend Krissy Borcher  let me know about the group in Gillette,” Clarkson said. “I thought it would be the perfect way to give our seniors something positive in their lives during COVID-19; they have lost the opportunity to do prom, [have] a proper graduation and say last goodbyes before everyone goes their own way in life.” 

Clarkson asked Rachel Buchanan, mother to PHS senior Skylar Cooley, to help manage the page. 

“It has taken both of us to make sure the group ran smoothly,” Clarkson said. “Communicating back and forth on posts and private messaging has been an around the clock thing for the last three days; I am so thankful I asked her to be an administrator with me.” 

A senior is put up for adoption by a parent, family member or friend. To date, over 750 people have responded and every senior has been adopted.

“Once the senior is posted, we allow two people to adopt them,” Clarkson said. “We limited it to keep it fair and avoid turning it into a popularity contest. 

Each senior is posted to the page to give a little more insight into what they want to do when they graduate, hobbies and interests.  

“Whoever adopts the senior will shower the senior with cards, gifts, letters, gift cards and more,” Clarkson said. “The gifts may be mailed or left at their front door.” 

The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We have 106 seniors adopted and 70 of those were adopted in the first 24 hours,” Clarkson said. “This makes me so proud of our little town. We have had so many people support the group. 212 people have opened their hearts to these teens.” 

“The support and love from the town just melts my heart. I want to thank everyone, the members in the group, who made this possible.”