“Our Voices Count” Baltimore County Senior Class Of 2020

“DON’T CANCEL DREAMS”. We are requesting that Baltimore County Superintendent Darryl L. Williams, Ed.D, overturn his decision to cancel senior activities and prom. Other school districts have made the decision to postpone these special milestones (including Baltimore City). We understand the uncertainty of future events due to COVID-19 and absolutely care about the health and safety of everyone, but this catastrophic situation should not destroy many years of hard work and sacrifice.

PROPOSAL: We are requesting that senior activities, proms and graduations be postponed until July or August 2020. If not feasible, maybe fall/winter 2020 or even a 2021 reunion celebration. Allow students, parents, guardians, caregivers, etc., the opportunity to work with their respective school staff to plan creative and innovative alternatives to have these events. We understand that proms and graduations will only take place if the quarantine restrictions have been lifted, gatherings of people are deemed safe, and we are given permission.

SUGGESTION: Senior Class of 2020 Summer Celebration (July or August 2020). As noted above, these celebrations can also take place in the fall/winter of 2020 or maybe set up as a reunion in 2021.

Day #1 - Senior Day/Farewell - Graduation Rehearsal, Senior Awards, Ticket Distribution
Day #2 – The Senior Prom
Day #3 – Graduation
* all events could take place at the original location or the respective high school*

SAFETY PRACTICE EXAMPLES: Wearing decorated masks and gloves to prom and graduation, 2 guests per student at commencement, social distancing of at least 6 feet apart, and “grab diploma and go” event.

BENEFITS:
*help parents who have already invested money on dues, dresses, cap/gowns, etc. not have a wasted expense and give other parents time to financially prepare.
*hotels and venues recoup lost funds
*assist small businesses like flower and dress shops, sedan services, etc. sustain after losing so much revenue