The purpose of this petition is to appeal the decision to cancel the traditional graduation ceremony of the Class of 2020 Seniors. Graduations have been a privilege that we, the American people, have strived for since around the 1600's. We understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, that we are currently facing.  We are also aware that this country hasn't faced times like this since the Great Depression.  Therefore, we know a traditional graduation ceremony is not possible at this time because of the pandemic we are facing. However, we the Class of 2020 seniors at Valparaiso High School have worked hard over the last 12 years  to fulfill the necessary requirements to be eligible to walk across the stage in front of our loved ones to celebrate our accomplishments. Every class before us and most likely every class that comes after us will receive the opportunity to have a traditional graduation ceremony. While we are under certain restrictions as far as social distancing goes at this particular time it doesn't mean that it will continue to be this way. Therefore, I believe that our traditional graduation ceremony should be postponed until a later day that is conducive and safe for both the graduate participants, the community and all involved of instead of resorting to having a virtual graduation. We should not have to miss out on one of the biggest and most memorable moments of our life. We would like to still be able to look back at our senior year and be glad that we finished strong and were able to celebrate even if we did miss out on a lot of other important senior events because of the current pandemic.

Please join me in signing this petition on behalf of not only the many seniors of Valparaiso High School but also the other seniors in other High Schools. We, the class of 2020, elect to postpone our traditional graduation ceremony to a future date, instead of the proposed virtual ceremony which takes away from the whole traditional experience which ultimately denies us the opportunity of this momentous "rite of passage" event. Seniors are already under a lot of stress having to do everything online now and they shouldn't have to worry about not being able to have a traditional graduation ceremony that they have looked forward to their entire life. We are in this together and we will get through this by just taking it one step at a time. Postpone don't deny us the privilege better late then never!

Thank You,

Senior Class of 2020

 Created 4/17/2020