The family and friends as well as classmates of Kennadie Gorrell have requested that USD 239 Minneapolis High School include her in the graduation ceremonies as a graduate of the class of 2022. The school has denied this request. The school has also denied the request that Kennadie be included in the school yearbook. 
The school’s explanation as to why this was decided was because doing so would ‘promote suicide’, which is in no way the case.

Kennadie was an individual. A student. A friend. So much more than that. There is no reason that honoring a passed student’s achievements should be viewed as promoting that- but rather it will bring light to the issue of bullying and mental health in our community, as well as bring closure to her loved ones. 

 This decision was not addressed or voted on by the USD 239 Board of Education. We believe that this was an unfair decision that needs to be addressed. 

There is not much time before graduation. It is our job to advocate for those who have passed on and honor them. Please help us fight to get the school to recognize Kennadie as a class of 2022 graduate in the ceremony and yearbook. She deserves recognition as part of the class of 2022.