My name is Amanda Zelinsky, I am the parent of Kayden, a beloved student who tragically and unexpectedly passed away on December 10, 2023. The 2025-2026 school year would have marked Kayden’s senior year—a milestone filled with hope, achievement, and celebration. I'm asking for your support in urging the Pottsville Area School District (PASD) as there preparing to honor the graduating class, to revise it graduation protocol to better honor deceased students, as many families have faced similar heartbreak and been deeply affected by loss.

My son Kayden spent over 132 months more than 4,000 days in this school district. That time reflects countless friendships formed, lessons learned, and memories made. It is only right that his name and those of others we have lost be spoken aloud and included in the official record of their graduating class.

Currently, the district’s protocol to honor deceased students involves placing an empty chair adorned with a cap, gown, candle, and flower at graduation ceremonies. as a symbolic gesture that PASD “don't forget the ones they lost.” While this gesture is intended to symbolize remembrance and loss, it falls short of truly honoring each student’s individuality and legacy. An empty chair—unaccompanied by any verbal acknowledgment or inclusion of the student’s name in the commencement program risks leaving families feeling unseen and attendees confused about whom this tribute represents. It inadvertently shifts focus away from the graduating class rather than inviting collective reflection.

This approach does not adequately recognize the profound impact these students had on their peers, teachers, and community. It fails to affirm their rightful place within their graduating class and denies families the comfort of hearing their child’s name spoken aloud during such a pivotal event.

Therefore, I respectfully urge PASD to amend the graduation protocaol include:

1. Verbal Recognition: The names of deceased students be read aloud during a dedicated moment of remembrance within the ceremony—such as during the class roll call or another appropriate segment—to publicly acknowledge their place within their graduating class.
2. Inclusion in Commencement Materials: Their names be listed alongside their classmates in the official commencement program/booklet as permanent recognition of their membership in that graduating cohort.

These changes would provide immense comfort to families like mine and send a powerful message to all students: every child matters deeply, no matter how brief their time with us may be. Their memory deserves more than silence or symbolism it deserves voice and recognition.

We ask parents, students, teachers, and community members who believe in honoring every child’s memory in a way that truly reflects their lasting impact on our hearts and community by affirming that our children are seen, valued, and celebrated, not just mourned to stand with us in urging the Pottsville Area School District to implement these meaningful changes for future graduation ceremonies.

Sign this petition to support respectful recognition of all students at PASD graduation ceremonies.