Vanguard Gradbash Petition

Recent signers:
Adelaide Young and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

High school is a major chapter in our lives, and Gradbash is a once-in-a-lifetime experience students look forward to.

However, the current eligibility rules are overly strict and often exclude hardworking students due to circumstances beyond their control.

The current requirements from the start of the school year add unnecessary stress instead of excitement.

We urge school leaders to create a more realistic and compassionate approach that values growth and effort while keeping Gradbash accessible to students who are genuinely trying.

avatar of the starter
Kyla CarterPetition Starter
Media inquiries
This petition had 135 supporters
Recent signers:
Adelaide Young and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

High school is a major chapter in our lives, and Gradbash is a once-in-a-lifetime experience students look forward to.

However, the current eligibility rules are overly strict and often exclude hardworking students due to circumstances beyond their control.

The current requirements from the start of the school year add unnecessary stress instead of excitement.

We urge school leaders to create a more realistic and compassionate approach that values growth and effort while keeping Gradbash accessible to students who are genuinely trying.

avatar of the starter
Kyla CarterPetition Starter
Media inquiries

Petition Closed

This petition had 135 supporters

Share this petition

The Decision Makers

Marion County School Board
2 Members
2 Responded
Nancy Thrower
Nancy Thrower
Marion County School Board - District 4
“Dear Senior Knights, Thank you for sharing your concerns. This expectation has been in place since August. It has been widely communicated. Regular and on time school attendance is a top priority. These timeliness habits, should you choose to adopt them, will only help you, not hurt you in your intentions to be successful in life. Therefore, I fully support Principal Wade on these requirements. Please note that the requirements are not cumulative. Each event has its own window of accountability, so if you sadly miss an event, there’s the opportunity to get back on track, and you won’t miss the next fun event. I look forward to shaking your hand on YOUR graduation day! Sincerely, Nancy Thrower School Board Member for Vanguard High GO KNIGHTS!”
Sarah James
Sarah James
Marion County School Board - District 5
“Thanks for your continued connection. This is a school-based decision which is aligned with the district’s top focus of improving student attendance. The expectations to attend Grad Bash have been communicated since school began in August. The school's principal is included on this email if you have further questions. I hope this helps clarify the district and school's position. Dr. Sarah James School Board Member - District 5 Marion County Public Schools Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. This was an email response we received regarding this petition.”
Allison Campbell
Allison Campbell
Former Marion County School Board - District 1
Responded
“The attached (Image) are the rules for all extra-curricular activities and have been posted all over the school since the first day of school. They have not changed, nor will they. Additionally, no parents or guardians have reached out to administration with concerns or questions about these requirements that mirror our other schools. Thank you. ~Allison B. Campbell, DSC, APR, CPRC, CBM Marion County School Board, Representing District 1 Florida School Boards Association, President-Elect Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. This was an email response we received regarding this petition.”

Supporter Voices

Petition updates

Share this petition

Petition created on January 13, 2026