Imagine working hard to not get a reward that you rightfully deserve. This is what happens yearly to students all across Grand Erie due to the ludicrous decision to have a graduation ceremony months after finishing high school. The terrible timing of such a monumental event leads to countless individuals to not only disrupt their continued education, but rob them of what should be a night of pride and achievement. So many students have not been able to, and will not be able to, attend their graduation ceremony due to the poor timing of it. Time and time again, students have attempted to have this change, yet no change has been made. It is now that we call to you, all the members of this outstanding school board, or rather community, to help us make a difference. Not only for ourselves, but for all future graduates of the GEDSB.

We are fighting for everyone. We are proposing a graduation that includes all of the class regardless of their marks, so everyone can walk across the stage together. We understand that there are some who need to take summer school or receive additional credits to graduate fully, this proposal will include them. The way the system runs doesn't take into consideration those who study abroad who need to spend time and money to come back for one night, or those who are too busy with post secondary. We believe that stand-in diplomas would be an excellent alternative for these students. It allows them to join their peers on the stage for this incredible event, while still leaving the time and room necessary for them to finish their education.

We ask that you, each and every person that has read this message, to contribute to this cause by filling out this petition. If enough people voice their opinions, the school board will not be able to ignore our cheers for change. #GEDSB we, and many other students like us, are Graduates Rejecting Absurd Dates (#G.R.A.D)! P.S. PARENTS AND OTHER GEDSB SCHOOLS ARE WELCOME TO SIGN!