My name is Kaitlyn Carter and I am a graduating senior at Salem high. I am also senior class president and have served my classmates as student body president for the past three years. I first committed myself to the class of 2022 freshman year when I was pleased to join the freshman advisory board. I fell in love with student leadership and serving my class and decided I would love to continue to do it for the rest of my high school career. In the spring of my freshman year, I ran for the class presidency and was chosen by my classmates to represent them. As a result of my success,  I was re-elected for Junior year and Senior year to lead my classmates throughout high school. I have been dedicated to the class of 2022 since I entered Salem High School, and even exiting I am still committed to my class. Recently I was informed by my advisor that I will not be giving a speech at my graduation. When I received this information, I was heartbroken, disappointed, and confused. Throughout my high school career,  I have been looking forward to the opportunity to present a speech that encapsulates my classmates and my own experience at Salem at graduation. I find this very disappointing and improper since this has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. I also find it shocking since I did not find out about this change until recently.  I am aware that the staff chose a student to present a speech at graduation. I think that's awesome, I am glad that the staff members got to include their opinions, however, the staff of Salem High school is not graduating. This is a class of 2022 graduation, and I feel that it is only fair that the students are addressed by someone they all know and the person they voted to be represented by. I know the majority of the students in my class, and the majority of the seniors know me as well. I have taken it upon myself to grow bonds with my classmates. Many of my peers were highly disappointed to hear that I would not be delivering a speech at our graduation. I don't necessarily feel that the other student should not give a speech, or that I should be given a speech to replace theirs. But I certainly feel that If they can be given a time slot in our graduation ceremony to address the class, then without a doubt, I should be given one as well. My family members and friends have been looking forward to me delivering a graduation speech since the start of my senior year. It is extremely devastating to hear that I would not be given the chance to present one. As I have advocated for the class of 2022 for the past four years, I will now advocate for myself. I feel that I am very deserving of the privilege of delivering a speech at our graduation ceremony. Please sign this petition and stand in solidarity. This petition will be shown to administrators. I do not feel that the staff should get the final say, this is our graduation, and the class of 2022's voice matters as well.