I am a senior at Bayonne High School in Bayonne, New Jersey, representing the Class of 2027. This year is supposed to be filled with excitement and cherished memories, but it's starting off with disappointment. Instead of celebrating our achievement as a collective unit, hundreds in our class feel their voices are being stifled.

The Bayonne High School Administration recently announced that our Senior Trip destination will be a Broadway musical, specifically "The Outsiders," priced at $130 per student. Many of us were left bewildered, not understanding how this decision was reached, nor why a choice meant to be inclusive and celebratory was made without our input. High school is supposed to be a formative period where we learn about democracy, leadership, and fairness. Yet in this critical decision, these values have been overshadowed.

When my peers and I asked reasonable, transparent questions regarding the selection of this event and its cost, our inquiries were met with silence or worse, they were deleted. Those who wanted to understand or oppose the decision were effectively told to "stay home." This not only silences our voices but disregards the principle of transparency and cooperation we expect from our school leadership.

The situation is disheartening. A senior trip is a pivotal milestone, a chance to bond and celebrate our collective achievements before we each embark on our individual paths. Our preference should be more than an afterthought; it should be central to this decision.

We are calling on the Bayonne High School Administration, our Class of 2027 Faculty Advisors (including Mrs. Smith), and the Bayonne Board of Education to halt the collection of deposits immediately. We earnestly request an official, inclusive, school-wide re-vote on the destination of our Senior Trip, ensuring every senior's voice is heard and respected.

We believe a fair re-vote will not only correct this situation but also uphold the democratic values we are meant to learn and embody in this educational setting. Let us make this year one of true celebration and unity. We need your support to make this fair and equitable change happen.

Please sign this petition to ensure that the voices of over 700 students from the Class of 2027 at Bayonne High School are heard and respected. Together, we can make this right.