Some high school seniors pushing for traditional graduation ceremony despite COVID-19 pandemic
TEMPE, Ariz. - A group of seniors with McClintock High School in Tempe hope their senior year wish - a traditional graduation ceremony that is attended in-person - can come true.
Schools across Arizona are closed through the end of the academic school year as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, some schools are making plans for a virtual graduation ceremony that will also double as the official graduation ceremony.
RELATED: Valley high school districts release plans for graduation ceremonies
Student speaks out in video message
In a video message, some McClintock High students showcased their accomplishments over the past four years.
"After enduring 12 hard years of school, I feel like we deserve a day to be honored and recognized for our hard work," said one male student in the video.
Amelie Land was supposed to give her valedictorian speech in front of 323 classmates. It's an accomplishment she vigorously worked for. Now, however, her graduation will be virtual.
"I was sad," Land said. "I cried for a few days."
Now, Land is turning sadness into action.
"Approve an in-person graduation ceremony," said Land. "Over the past week, he has opened up the rest of the state with salons, restaurants, and retail stores. So, if we're allowed to gather in restaurants or in stores or meet with our hair stylists, then we should be able to sit six feet apart and celebrate our accomplishments with the rest of our classmates," said Land.
Land hopes Gov. Ducey can step in on this issue.
"I want to reach Governor Doug Ducey and everyone at the Capitol," Land said. "I think it's in their hands. Districts around the state are doing whatever they can to celebrate us, but without his approval, we cannot get anything done."
Land hopes Gov. Ducey can allow in-person graduation ceremonies to take place in early June, before some students head off to the military or church mission trips.
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