In June of 2021, a tragic event shook our family. My 16-year-old nephew, who was also my sister's only son, unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack while we were all at Lake Eufaula. This year, he would have been graduating from Yukon High School. His cousin, my niece, will be walking the stage and we asked the principal to allow either an empty chair or for them to say his name or in some way recognize him during the graduation.

This is not just about our family's loss; it is about every student who has tragically passed away before their time. It is about allowing families and friends to continue healing after such devastating losses. Recognizing these students during graduation ceremonies can provide a sense of closure and honor their memory in a meaningful way.
This is in the hands of the principal to allow it. She can but has stated she chooses not to recognize them or the pain Thier classmates feel from it. 
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 62% of school-aged children experience the death of a parent or sibling each year in America. These figures highlight that our situation is far from unique; many families are dealing with similar losses across this country.

We urge Yukon High School Principal and other decision-makers within the school district to establish a policy that acknowledges students who have tragically passed away prior to graduation - whether it be through an empty chair at commencement ceremonies, mentioning their names during proceedings or any other appropriate form of recognition.

Let us remember those who cannot be with us on this important day but remain forever in our hearts. Please sign this petition and help us bring about this important change.

Below is a link to a story from Principal Barlow about the graduation rate of Yukon Highschool students. 

https://yukonprogressnews.com/2023/02/24/yhs-graduation-rate-up-dropouts-down/#:~:text=The%20annual%20YHS%20graduation%20rate,across%20Oklahoma%2C%20Barlow%20pointed%20out