Lilly Zaro was a dedicated and hardworking student who was on track to graduate with the class of 2026 at Robert Service High School in Anchorage, Alaska. Tragically, Lilly passed away suddenly during the spring break of 2025 due to unforeseen health issues. Despite her struggles throughout school, Lilly was determined to graduate; she spent countless hours studying and working hard to achieve her goal of standing alongside her friends on graduation day.

As her parents, it is incredibly painful to accept the loss of our beloved daughter, yet the pain is compounded by the school district and Robert Service High School's decision to deny Lilly any form of recognition at the graduation ceremony. We believe that this is both unjust and insensitive.

Graduation is a time to honor students' journeys, their perseverance, and their achievements, regardless of life's unpredictable outcomes. We urge the school district and Robert Service High School to rectify this oversight by including Lilly Zaro in the graduation ceremony of 2026. This could be in the form of dedicating an empty chair in her honor or including her name in the list of graduates.

By signing this petition, you are supporting our request for a compassionate resolution that acknowledges Lilly's hard work and dedication. You are also standing with other families who have faced similar heartbreak, advocating for schools to recognize and honor students who have passed away before graduation.

Help us ensure that no student’s hard work goes unnoticed, even in death. Let us come together to celebrate Lilly Zaro’s spirit and dedication to education. Sign the petition to make a difference. 
I want people to know she is getting a diploma and was offered recognition at the practice ceremony. But the practice ceremony is not taken seriously and not everyone is there. It’s not good enough for and child whom has lost their lives.