As the novel coronavirus has spread around the world and officially become a global pandemic, we have seen a number of changes to our everyday lives. Businesses have been forced to shutter, grocery stores are unable to fill their shelves fast enough, and strict social distancing guidelines have been put in place. We have also seen most schools, colleges, and universities across the country transition to online learning. Some have already chosen to end their academic year early. While Snowfake Unified High School hopes to resume in-person classes in two weeks, it is looking increasingly unlikely that returning will be an option. A likely consequence: a live-streamed, or perhaps even canceled, commencement. 

COVID-19 is a global issue, but there are a number of impacts here at home. I am  writing today to encourage you in standing up to demand Snowflake Unified High School holds a real, in-person commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2020--whether it happens in May as we all hope, or after the effects of this novel coronavirus diminish. 

We, as a student body, do not take the threat of coronavirus lightly and those of us minimally affected by the transition to distance learning appreciate the prompt action by the administration to keep us all safe. But after four (or more, or less) years of work to get to this point we would like a promise from you, the administration, to provide us with our commencement ceremony.

Consider the number of first generation students earning their degrees and the people who have maintained their dream of graduating, how hard they’ve all works to act their goals, since they were children. Consider those who have worked to pay our way along this journey and the number of us who will continue to pay for our time here. Consider the parents who may not get to see their children walk across that stage, and the grandparents, too.

We understand that a ceremony might not happen in May, but we are petitioning you to let you know that, despite this fact, these students need their moment. They need a moment to celebrate, to grieve the memories they are leaving behind, and to step into the world ready to succeed.

Are we with them?!