For the past several years, Bristol has been the host of both Virginia High and Tennessee High’s senior graduation. Some years, the graduations have been on separate weeks, and others the same weekend but on two separate days. For my family, either one of these options work perfectly as we generally tend to have graduates at both schools. For our out of town family members that come from Florida, Northern Virginia, and Texas the same weekend but different days works the best. If not, they tend to plan accordingly.
So for a few moments, imagine flying or driving to Bristol for a celebration of graduates all the be told that you have an ultimatum in choosing whose graduation you’ll be attending all because one school decides the plan their graduation on the same day at the same time. Do you go and support the Bearcat side or do you support the Viking side? How do you explain to your graduate that you’re unable to attend their graduation to only go across town and support the other graduate?

My name is Candace Foster, a former graduate of Tennessee High. This year I have both my sister Aliviah and cousin Alexis graduating from each school. Of course I’ve got to be there for my sister, however, I hate to miss Alexis’ graduation who has the potential to be salutatorian of her class. Alexis and her classmates have realized that this will affect them tremendously, and discussed if any changes could be made to accommodate their families. The superintendent basically felt as if the ball was not in his court since Virginia High’s graduation day on Friday has been consistent for years.

My mother has spoken with individuals on the Tennessee side, and it was noted that they were only keeping track of who this affected. They did not state any changes would be made at this time.

If this gives you an ultimatum, and if you feel as if changes should be made so that folks such as myself can celebrate those graduating without guilt, please sign this petition in an attempt to have Tennessee High’s graduation changed to a Saturday. Thank you!