Dear Knox County School Board, 

While we are grateful that you have allowed seniors to have a graduation ceremony, we are not pleased with the fact that none of our family members will be allowed into the ceremony. Although we know that you are only looking out for the wellbeing of students and their families, we would like to bring your attention to several instances where such protocols are not being used. 

For example, Maryville High School has chosen to allow each graduate to have 4 family members attend their ceremony. Maryville has a graduating class of approximately 400 students, which is comparatively larger than most senior classes in Knox County. Because of this, it can be possible for KCS to follow this same procedure, allowing us to have our families present while still promoting a safe environment. 

In addition to this, local colleges, including UTK, are allowing students to move on campus soon after our graduation. If thousands of students can live together, why can the Class of 2020 not be together with our families for a short time for graduation?

Graduation is a chance for seniors to celebrate our 12 years devoted to education. This special occasion would not be the same without the ability to celebrate with our families who supported us throughout our school career. Although these are unprecedented times, KCS should consider following the precedents set by others who are facing the same situation. Therefore, the Class of 2020 respectfully asks the Knox County School Board to reconsider your decision to not allow family members into our graduation ceremonies.