The event started with a whisper - an idea from mom, Joleen Miller, who created a Facebook page, “Adopt-a-Northwestern-Senior,” with her daughter and stepdaughter in mind.

The adoption featured a goodie box sent from someone within the Northwestern Lehigh community to the graduating senior.

Treats and letters of good wishes arrived at students’ doors in the weeks before graduation.

“It brought the community together in ways I could not imagine,” Miller said.

In addition to “Adopt-a-Northwestern-Senior,” Miller, Karen Heither and photographer Leroy Bogert pulled together a drive-through tribute on May 30 at Ontelaunee Park, New Tripoli, for graduating seniors.

“It was a way for us to help keep their spirits up and give them a chance to have one final goodbye with their fellow seniors,” Miller said.