I am starting this petition regarding the announcement that was made yesterday that announced the details for honoring the Class of 2020, particularly the “universal virtual graduation” that is set to be held in the beginning of June. Being a Poolesville High School senior, I was quite disappointed to hear this news. While I understand that there are limited options due to the circumstances, this method of honoring the senior class is extremely impersonal and lacks meaning. After already losing so many rites of passage, such as my final spring sports season, my final pep rally, Awards Night, Senior Dinner, Senior Picnic, and many others, I had hoped that I would at least receive a virtual version  of a “normal” graduation ceremony, hearing from students and staff from PHS and hearing my name called as a new graduate. When I heard that instead of what I expected, especially after seeing similar methods being used in college commencement ceremonies, I was angry and heartbroken

I was initially happy that MCPS sent out a survey to the senior students to hear our opinions about how we should be honored. I, like most of the seniors, felt that taking a hybrid approach to graduation was the best idea, as it allowed us closure and congratulations before heading to college in the fall from our individual schools, as well as a normal ceremony when circumstances allow. However, the integrity of the county was severely challenged when the way of honoring us was announced. Not only was the option of having a universal graduation never mentioned in the survey, the announcement made it seem as if this was what the senior class wanted. When I chose the option of a hybrid graduation, I expected the virtual one to be a school-wide ceremony, where I could hear the voices of my teachers and see the faces of my peers one last time, not an impersonal announcement addressing twenty-five high schools. 

This process has made me feel as if my opinions don’t matter. The county asked for our opinions, and proceeded to choose an option that was never presented in the first place. I feel as if I, as well as the other thousands of seniors in the county, have been silenced in an already difficult situation.

Please sign this petition if you are in agreement that each MCPS high school should hold their own virtual graduation ceremony instead of only a universal one for the whole county.