I am writing to express my deep concern and to rally support from our community. The sudden cancellation of the varsity football season at Hollister High School has not only been a disappointment for those directly involved, but it has also had a ripple effect on a plethora of extracurricular and elective programs that play a critical role in the educational and personal development of our students. As someone who represents the voices of hundreds of students affected, I feel compelled to highlight the urgent need for transparency and student inclusion in decision-making processes. The varsity football team was given a team meeting where it was acknowledge their season would be concluded while the rest of the students including those active during football games, were unsympathetically informed via social media and email. 

Our cheer team, band members, ASB, Rally Club, culinary, sports medicine, and countless other programs have been deeply affected by this unilateral decision. These programs are not just activities; they are lifelines that provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, foster teamwork, and build school spirit.

The lack of communication from the administration has left our students without the necessary platforms to express their concerns, ideas, and solutions. Student representation in decisions concerning extracurricular activities is crucial as it directly affects their high school experience. Decisions made behind closed doors, without student input, undermine the democratic values we teach within our educational system. 

To rectify this situation, we are calling for the immediate establishment of a transparent decision-making process. We propose the creation of a student advisory board that includes representatives from each major extracurricular and student-led program. This board would work directly with school administrators to ensure that all future decisions are made inclusively and with full transparency. While we understand privacy of this investigation was priority we are not asking for details in the event we are simply asking our voices to be heard and our inputs to considered. 

Furthermore, we request a thorough review and investigation into the decision to cancel the varsity football season, with the results published for the Hollister High School community. This review should also include a plan to engage students and parents in open forums, where their voices can be heard and respected.

Our students deserve better. They deserve to have a say in the activities that shape their lives and futures. We need to take action now to restore these vital programs and prevent future decisions that exclude the stakeholders they impact the most.

Please join us in demanding transparency and a voice for our students at Hollister High School. Sign this petition to champion the cause of inclusivity and representation in our school's activities and safeguard the educational experiences of current and future students.