This Redlands mom is making Class of 2021 ‘feel like they matter’
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The mother of a Redlands High school senior spoke via videoconference at a school board meeting from her vehicle under the green glow of lights in a hospital parking garage.
Marci Atkins’ daughter was hospitalized for stomach issues due to coronavirus pandemic-related stress, and Atkins was offering suggestions that could help students such as holding a traditional graduation.
“She’s been sick since October,” the retired police officer said, getting emotional, “and all I care about is her getting well, but I also care about her being happy.”
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The straight-A student who was accepted to all eight of the universities to which she applied “is mentally and physically being affected with everything that’s going on, and she’s not alone,” Atkins told the board on March 9. “There’s two other teenagers in this hospital that are having the exact same problem, and it’s devastating. Heartbreaking. And it’s killing me to see this.”
With milestones like prom canceled, worries about graduating or being ready for college, a lack of in-person contact with friends and teachers, and general ill ease about the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been a tough year for high school seniors, and there needs to be more recognition of their accomplishments, Atkins said.
“These kids need to feel like they matter,” she told the board.
With that goal never far from her thoughts, Atkins started a parent committee to garner business discounts for the Class of 2021, created a Facebook page to get them gifts from strangers, and organized an April movie night at the Inland Empire 66ers stadium in San Bernardino.
Miara Allen, 8, hugs Marci Atkins, after receiving a gift adopt-a-senior Facebook page even though she is not a senior in Mentone on Monday, March 22, 2021. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Two weeks after the meeting Atkins was moving up the stairs of an apartment complex, an Easter gift basket in each hand, one for Redlands East Valley senior Jeramiah Donahue, whom she “adopted” from the Facebook page, and one for his 8-year-old sister, Miara Allen.
Donahue, REV’s quarterback, often watches Miara while their mother is at work. He said the gifts from someone who is practically a stranger are special.
“She’s still taking time out of her day, money out of her own pocket, you know, that’s cool, I appreciate that,” he said. “Seniors haven’t really gotten pretty much anything this year.”
He said he’s been watching his sister his whole life, and “she’s pretty chill,” but sometimes it can be tough.
“I’ll be in class and she’ll come in and ask me about her math,” he said with a shrug. “Other than that it’s nothing new.”
Their mom, Chauntay Donahue, a manager at Loma Linda University, said Atkins’ gifts lift his spirits.
“They really need this,” Chauntay Donahue said. “This is a blessing in disguise amidst this pandemic.”
It’s also a learning opportunity, she said, about “being selfless, especially during this time, and just thinking of others that are going through something that’s bigger.”
Atkins’ daughter, Kali Atkins, now out of the hospital, and Citrus Valley senior Grace Wilson “adopted” each other through the Adopt a Redlands Senior Class of 2021 Facebook page, because they are both in cheer, and have several things in common.
So far 101 seniors in Redlands have been “adopted.”
“The idea is to make them feel like they matter, let them know that they haven’t been forgotten about,” Marci Atkins said. “Simple gestures, gift cards, a little cute gift basket. The looks on their faces just says it all.”
Watching strangers do something nice for high school seniors in Redlands, and looking at the photos parents post of smiling teens with their gifts inspired Atkins to start a parent committee to garner support from the business community.
Participating businesses offering discounts for high school seniors in Redlands include Club Pilates, Anytime Fitness, Rosa Maria’s Mexican restaurant, Taco Shack, Carolyn’s Café, Corky’s Kitchen and Bakery, Mill Creek Cattle Co., The Meek House coffee shop, Dream Dinners, Ben’s Nails, Express Tailoring, Citrograph Printing Co., West of Texas Western Boutique, Don’s Bicycles and Jessi’s Salon.
Redlands High graduate Shahin Tehranchi, owner of the Club Pilates studio in the city, said he was happy to offer a free class to high school seniors.
“I know that being active and exercising and just getting the community together brings about a ton of energy and opportunities, especially during this time,” he said.
Pilates, he added “is perfect for students who haven’t been able to get out and stretch.”
Drive-in Movie Night, which will offer a showing of “Men in Black 2” at the 66ers stadium, 280 S. E St., San Bernardino, is set for April 24. Tickets are $31.50 per car load, and each car must have at least one senior from a Redlands high school with proof of grade level. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7 p.m. Raffle prizes are being sought.
Atkins, a 20-year veteran of the San Bernardino Police Department, and a former homeless advocate for both that department and the Redlands Police Department, said helping others is in her nature.
“For somebody who can’t speak up for themselves, for somebody who can’t help themselves, it’s in my blood to speak up for them,” she said.
To “adopt” or or have a senior “adopted,” go to the Adopt a Redlands Senior Class of 2021 Facebook page.
More information including Movie Night details, and how to be a part of the business discount program can be found on the Redlands Class of 2021 Seniors Community Group on Facebook, or by emailing Atkins at marci.atkins@outlook.com.