President Kelly, 

I have seen petitions for schools across the country to reschedule rather than cancel graduation. We know that this decision to cancel graduation was not made lightly, and we know how serious of an issue this is. We are so thankful that you made a decision to help keep us and our loved ones safe at this time.

However, I speak for all of the graduating class of Spring 2020 when I say that canceling graduation is extremely disappointing. As a former Blue Coat, I saw what graduation looked like behind the scenes and I, like so many students, have dreamed for the day that I would walk the stage. So many students have worked hard for years, made incredible sacrifices for their education, and created a home at the University of West Georgia. 

From the Welcome Back Blast to Homecoming, this is another tradition that is so important to us Wolves. In a matter of a week, we have watched the last two months of senior year get taken away from us and we have watched as the entire world has shut down. This has been hard on so many people, and we just ask that you help make this easier to understand and to hold. Instead of canceling graduation, we would like to have a rescheduled ceremony once everything has started to calm down and we can resume our lives. 

I love the University of West Georgia and I am so proud to be graduating from this school. I just hope that we can have our graduation and celebrate together in person. 

Thank you for your time and for helping us keep each other safe.

Go West, Go Wolves!

Elena Mayfield

Class of 2020