The dedicated seniors of our district's class of 2020 have been proud to call Pike County Schools our home as we have grown into educated citizens of the United States of America. As August 2019 rolled around, the air was different for the class of 2020. The graduation we had dreamed of for so long was now just around the corner. As winter turned to spring, the Corona Virus (COVID-19) hit the United States. After cancelling the last few months we had with the friends we have known most of our lives, the Corona Virus was not finished. 

Our superintendent, Mark Bazzell, and the district leadership team have made the decision to cancel graduation for the Pike County School System's Class of 2020. While we have always had the utmost respect for the Pike County School's leadership and their decision making, this is one we cannot stand behind. In life, you get one high school graduation. It is the last opportunity to bid farewell to your lifelong friends, and finally, take the first step into adulthood. It is about more than shaking a hand and receiving a piece of paper. Graduation is the celebration and recognition received for thirteen years of hard work and dedication. A drive-in or online service would not do the hard work of the Class of 2020 justice. 

We fully understand the health and safety precautions that would need to be set in place with an in-person graduation. With each student having limited tickets and the large size of the schools' football fields, we believe our graduation could happen as planned. The football field would be be social distancing friendly, and parents have already volunteered to do whatever is necessary to give their children a graduation. Neighboring school systems continue to plan for a graduation at a later date, and it would be unfair for PCS students to not have the same opportunity. We respectfully ask for this decision to be reconsidered. By signing this petition, you help us raise awareness for this cause. This petition is to propose a graduation at a later date (July or August) for the seniors of Pike County Schools. We are grateful for any support you can give by sharing and/or signing this petition.