I was born and raised in Great Bridge. I ate, slept and drank Great Bridge. I married in Great Bridge. I raised my two precious girls in Great Bridge. The love and pride I have for the Great Bridge community runs deep. PLEASE! I plead with the school board to grant the wishes of the Great Bridge graduating class of 2017 in honoring their two classmates. PLEASE, the graduating class deserves to honor these two lovely lady's. It will give them a small amount of closure and a great deal of Great Bridge pride to carry with them. There's nothing better than our love for our good 'ole GBHS. PLEASE, don't let the kids down. It's so wrong to leave them with a bad taste.
Darlene - 7 years ago
There are no policy, by law, or regulation in school division stating that a person can't be named as graduate and hsve a designated person to walk the stage to accept their diploma. If disabled, special needs, or chroniclu ill or sick this graduation would be called accommodations and allowed. Please accommodate these tragic losses and injurues.
Cheryl - 7 years ago
How are these educators helping to develop character and integrity in the children by denying these seats? School is more than must about book knowledge. We need MORE development of character and leaving those seats open in honor of their classmates shows the integrity and character of the fellow students. How sad that the school board members don't possess such innate character. The seats belong to these two girls. Grow up and show some character school board!!! Shame on you!
Grace Protzman - 7 years ago
If they don't allow it, have the students leave a seat open and the last 2 student remain standing. Standing for an hour to honor their missing fellow students would not be a very hard sacrifice to make for them.
Debbie Wing - 7 years ago
TWO SEATS!!!!!
T. H. - 7 years ago
I think this is the craziest thing I have heard like so many I think it's a simple solution. The girls were going to be there, so let the chairs stay empty for them in honor of them. If the school board can not decide maybe the students should stand instead of sit at there chairs in respect and honor of there friends. Two beautiful girls who will never be forgotten and always loved by so many.
Amy Dawson - 7 years ago
Dear Chesapeake school board and administrators,
The people who pay your salaries have spoken. It is only right that Kaitlyn and Sabrina have their place among their class. Why inflict further pain on their families? They were two outstanding students who were role models for others coming behind them; they deserve their seat. I am personally contacting all major media outlets to cover this story.
Mary Lou Gagnon Mcgaffick - 7 years ago
I am a friend of Kaitlyn's Grandmother and Grandfather . Please honor the memory of this Beautiful Young Woman and her friend ????????????. They earned and deserve their seats !!!!
K.anne - 7 years ago
Typical red tape when it comes to Chesapeake Public Schools. The girls will have their seats..approved or not. It is better for them to approve it now, rather than have the city in an uproar. They weren't at fault. DO THE RIGHT THING CHESAPEAKE!!
A Wildcat - 7 years ago
Imagine being the kid who has to sit next to the empty seat. The school system has done much to honor the memory and support the community through this terrible ordeal. Also, there is likely a good reason why this is the standard practice at the school.
Why must it come to this?
Harris - 7 years ago
This is beyond rediculous. If they could be there, they would. Why not leave them empty? They have worked too hard to not have them honored by leaving them empty. How inconsiderate of the school board.
Kris Pinkerman - 7 years ago
Well in my opinion this is not even something that should need school board approval. This should be automatically given. My niece knew Kaitlyn, not from school but other things they both participated in outside of school. There are no words that can console a parent freinds or relative during a tragedy like this. The parents, relatives, classmates and freinds should not have to endure more pain and emotional suffering right now because of bureaucrat's. All I can say is the school board needs to do the right thing and have these young ladies seats open at their graduation. If not have the classmates be smart. Have the classmates skip those seats when they sit down and have the last two bring their own seats. Then in the next election for school board, which is held every two years, let this graduating class of new voters (hopefully registered voters) and all of Chesapeake registered voters voice they're dismay and disbelief over this situation by voting them out of these school board jobs. Vote in some new members that would not think twice about this and would not have to even ask for these chairs to be left open. Their jobs are voted on by the people they are angering and frustrating right now.
I SAY VOTE THIS SCHOOL BOARD OUT NEXT COUPLE OF ELECTIONS!!!!!
We the people of the city of Chesapeake have a voice and it will be heard!!!!!
Richard Treadway - 7 years ago
Please! This is an appropriate recognition! The school system shouldn't hesitate, it prolongs their agony. Please, announce the right decision SOONER than later.
K. Rob - 7 years ago
Great Bridge HS administrators, you should be ashamed of yourselves. What harm is this causing and what is it costing the school to leave two seats empty? This is ridiculous and shameful that the senior class has to beg for their fellow students to be honored in such a way that only makes sense to the rest of the community.
Angela Lombardi - 7 years ago
I am a parent and Coach from Hollidaysburg High School in Pennsylvania. Just about every year a student passes before graduation. Since I graduated in the 1980's we have always had an empty seat for the graduate. It is how these students honor the classmate that is no longer with them. Sadly this year we lost an amazing young lady on April 14th, she had a full scholarship to a local College for softball and academics. It is how these students move forward feeling her closeness. Her seat will have flowers on them. Her name will be announced and family and or friend will accept her diploma. Administration feels this is closure for her classmates to move on with her remembrance. Graduation is this Friday, June 2nd. Please give these students the closure they so desire. Our prayers are with your Community.
Brittany - 7 years ago
We all understand that graduation is supposed to be a time of celebration. The Great Bridge community has been rocked by this tragedy and graduation for the Great Bridge seniors is going to be tough. Let the students have the seats for Kaitlyn and Sabrina. Why make these kids fight for seats? They are telling you this is what they want. This is how they want to celebrate and honor the girls. It is ultimately their graduation, not ours. Honor them and listen to them; don't make them spend their last few weeks stressed and upset because you won't let two seats be empty where the girls would have sat if the accident hadn't happened.
JASON V - 7 years ago
It doesn't seem to makes any sense not to allow for the open seats. But still, it should NOT be something that should be decided in haste.
I think the biggest issue is that if you do this for the two girls then you need to be ready and willing to offer the same "honor" to any and all in a similar situation.
With that being said, I can think of a few instances where it would be an outright shame to honor certain fallen students at their missed graduation.
-God bless Kaitlyn and Sabrina. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Hannah styron - 7 years ago
Why should no even be an option... it would be so disappointing if they don't let their seats be empty, not only that but if they were still here they earned it! You shouldn't fill their seats up jut because one stupid drunk driver took their lives! ........ it's a shame that we even have to vote for this!
Jennifer L Intravatola - 7 years ago
I do not understand the motivation behind the school refusing their entire graduating class and the families a great opportunity for healing. What is this school trying to prove? Just how heartless they are??? This shouldn't be an issue. Let them have the empty chairs there.
Carolyn Riegle , M D - 7 years ago
I cannot contemplate a logical reason for denying this request. Who or what would it harm?
Margaret Goggins - 7 years ago
How tragic that a suspected drunk driver took one life and seriously injured another. And the school can't support the families at this sad time? Longwood University held it's commencement ceremony last week and honored a deceased classmate in the program.
IN MEMORIUM
Student's Name
December 23, 1994 - March 4, 2017
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Lancaster, VA
Come on Great Bridge High School. Do what is right for the girls, their classmates, and the families!!!
April - 7 years ago
These girls earned their seats. Graduation is a time of celebrating! Kaitlyn & Sabrina are still part of their class. This would help aid in healing the families and friends of these two beautiful girls. Our entire Community has been feeling the pain since this tragic accident. Prayers and strength to the families of Kaitlyn and Sabrina.
Danielle W. - 7 years ago
I always thought the gesture of leaving an open seat when someone has passed away or who were seriously injured before graduation was a given. Graduation is a time of both celebration and honoring everyone who made up the class. It was not their choice not to be there. Those young women are part of that class and their seats should be left empty to honor them and their achievements. Those left behind request this in order to help them cope with the horrific accident. Facilitating the healing of students in the Administration's charge alone should be a reason to do it. I have attended three graduations where schools allowed this. All ceremonies were orderly, the honor did not take away from the celebration of others. I always felt it taught students about respect and honor. In all three it was a quiet and important gesture, honoring the hard work of students. The parents should be able to receive the diplomas of their daughters and also the Administrators should honor the girls by placing the seat that they earned along with all the other earned seats of their classmates.
Hannah - 7 years ago
I can't wrap my head around why Kaitlyn and Sabrina's seats wouldn't be left open, especially because they had such a huge impact on our school and both had astonishing academic achievements. It's not hurting anyone to leave 2 seats open that were already supposed to be occupied anyways to honor their classmates.
Pam Bullock - 7 years ago
Rules should not override common sense. The entire community is grieving with these families. The graduating class has spoken and they are overwhelmingly in support of leaving these seats open so what is the harm in approving this? It doesn't take anything away from the other students but allows everyone to celebrate these two girl's achievements along with their classmates. #dotherightthing
It's so sad that the school board isn't representing the wishes of the very students they should be representing. But they'll become voting citizens, and, hopefully, they can respect the wishes of the people.
But really, who the hell does the school board think they are? Who's influencing them to do this? What's their reasoning? So many questions.
Rob peterson - 7 years ago
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. THE SCHOOL BOARD BETTER STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT...PRONTO...AND THEY BETTER ANNOUNCE IT TOMORROW MORNING IMMEDIATELY. WHAT A LAUGHING STOCK FOR THEM TO DO THIS. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO TO BOYCOTT GRADUATION IF THEY DON'T ANSWER...AND QUICK. THIS IS NOT EVEN FUNNY THAT THEY WOULD BE DOING THIS. LIKE THEY WERE SOME LOW LIFE'S THAT GOT CAUGHT SMOKING IN THE BATHROOM AND SKIP SCHOOL. EVEN THEN IT WOULDN'T BE RIGHT. BUT FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD, THESE GIRLS ARE SOME OF THE BETTER STUDENTS EVER TO EMERGE FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.. EVER. WHAT THE HE'LL PLANET ARE THESE PEOPLE ON TO BE DOING THIS. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. It's like they live under a rock. Not kidding!!!
Barbara talhelm - 7 years ago
This should not even be up for a vote. Do the right thing, leave there seats open and where the girls would have been sitting. I am so upset by this, Kaitlyn Duffy was an amazing beyond "A" student , plus an amazing young lady who worked very hard for her grades. . She earned her seat at graduation and her family deserves to hear her name called and get her diploma. I didn't know the other young lady but the same goes for her and her family. Hasn't the Duffy and Mundorff family been through enough? And anyone who should think otherwise on this matter, how do you sleep at night? DO THE RIGHT THING, LEAVE THE SEATS OPEN.
Barbara talhelm - 7 years ago
This should not even be up for a vote. Do the right thing, leave there seats open and where the girls would have been sitting. I am so upset by this, Kaitlyn Duffy was an amazing beyond "A" student , plus an amazing young lady who worked very hard for her grades. . She earned her seat at graduation and her family deserves to hear her name called and get her diploma. I didn't know the other young lady but the same goes for her and her family. Hasn't the Duffy and Mundorff family been through enough? And anyone who should think otherwise on this matter, how do you sleep at night? DO THE RIGHT THING, LEAVE THE SEATS OPEN.
Karen Jones - 7 years ago
This should not even be a question, Kaitlyn Duffy & Sabrina Mundorff worked very hard to achieve there seat at graduation...The City of Chesapeake should honor these wishes...
Anonymous - 7 years ago
As a current student I believe this situation is utterly rediculous. I feel adults forget these kids spend countless hours each day and night doing homework, studying for test, working their asses off to be rewarded at the end of senior year. Its the least that can be done to place two damn chairs to honor the hard work and dedication each girl had endured these past 4 years; as well as to provide justice and comfort to those who lost a daughter and friend. Also, the fact that the parents have to be fighting for a seat that is rightfully their child's is so insensitive and not necessary, honestly who is it hurting? Respect needs to be given where it's due. Acknowledging those that have past should not be this difficult, this system needs to change, let's make this the light that ignites.
Laurel May - 7 years ago
My! How it would probably be a different story if it was someone in the family of the ones making the decision. There would more than likely be no discussion on what the right decision would be, LET THEM HAVE THE EMPTY SEATS. Those two girls are family.
Beth Winebrenner - 7 years ago
I don't understand why this is even a question or still up for debate!! Let the graduating class honor their missing classmates in what ever way they see fit! A couple of empty chairs is a small request and should have been approved immediately!
Richard Treadway - 7 years ago
This shouldn't EVEN be an issue! Those young ladies EARNED those seats. All the rest of the students worked along side them and they've earned the right to observe their passing in this manner. We should encourage such things. Please, let the principal and/or superintendent announce the approval of the observance.
Cathy morris - 7 years ago
Not just empty seats but their seats where they would have been sitting!!
Truly do not understand why the wishes of the majority of the students can be honored and why the parents are even having to fight for this!!!
Haven't they been through enough stress!??
Gloria Ball Palumbo - 7 years ago
I do not understand this is even a question. These girls earned those seats along with their diplomas. Honor these young girls & honor their parents. You say it is a time of celebration, yes it is, CELEBRATE their lives AND their accomplishments. I can't believe that there has to be a poll for this. Honor Kaitlyn Duffy & Sabrina Mundorff as well as their families. Fly High Kaitlyn, & pray for complete healing for Sabrina. Prayers for both families. God Bless You.
Robin - 7 years ago
THESE STUDENTS WORK VERY HARD TO GET TO A PLACE WHERE THEIR ACHIEVMENT SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED JUST LIKE ALL OTHER GRADUATES. IT DOES NOT HURT ANYONE TO LEAVE THEIR CHAIRS...IT IS JUST THAT THEIRS! THEY WORKED FOR THOSE SPOTS AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AWAY!!!!
Shannon - 7 years ago
One of my classmates passed shortly before graduation and not only did we have an empty chair, but his best friends accepted his diploma and took it into the stands to his parents. As a class we celebrated his life and time with us and his parents were still able to hear their only child's name called during the ceremony.
Jodie Rowan - 7 years ago
Why is this even a question?? The girls and their families earned it and deserve to be recognized!
I was born and raised in Great Bridge. I ate, slept and drank Great Bridge. I married in Great Bridge. I raised my two precious girls in Great Bridge. The love and pride I have for the Great Bridge community runs deep. PLEASE! I plead with the school board to grant the wishes of the Great Bridge graduating class of 2017 in honoring their two classmates. PLEASE, the graduating class deserves to honor these two lovely lady's. It will give them a small amount of closure and a great deal of Great Bridge pride to carry with them. There's nothing better than our love for our good 'ole GBHS. PLEASE, don't let the kids down. It's so wrong to leave them with a bad taste.
There are no policy, by law, or regulation in school division stating that a person can't be named as graduate and hsve a designated person to walk the stage to accept their diploma. If disabled, special needs, or chroniclu ill or sick this graduation would be called accommodations and allowed. Please accommodate these tragic losses and injurues.
How are these educators helping to develop character and integrity in the children by denying these seats? School is more than must about book knowledge. We need MORE development of character and leaving those seats open in honor of their classmates shows the integrity and character of the fellow students. How sad that the school board members don't possess such innate character. The seats belong to these two girls. Grow up and show some character school board!!! Shame on you!
If they don't allow it, have the students leave a seat open and the last 2 student remain standing. Standing for an hour to honor their missing fellow students would not be a very hard sacrifice to make for them.
TWO SEATS!!!!!
I think this is the craziest thing I have heard like so many I think it's a simple solution. The girls were going to be there, so let the chairs stay empty for them in honor of them. If the school board can not decide maybe the students should stand instead of sit at there chairs in respect and honor of there friends. Two beautiful girls who will never be forgotten and always loved by so many.
Dear Chesapeake school board and administrators,
The people who pay your salaries have spoken. It is only right that Kaitlyn and Sabrina have their place among their class. Why inflict further pain on their families? They were two outstanding students who were role models for others coming behind them; they deserve their seat. I am personally contacting all major media outlets to cover this story.
I am a friend of Kaitlyn's Grandmother and Grandfather . Please honor the memory of this Beautiful Young Woman and her friend ????????????. They earned and deserve their seats !!!!
Typical red tape when it comes to Chesapeake Public Schools. The girls will have their seats..approved or not. It is better for them to approve it now, rather than have the city in an uproar. They weren't at fault. DO THE RIGHT THING CHESAPEAKE!!
Imagine being the kid who has to sit next to the empty seat. The school system has done much to honor the memory and support the community through this terrible ordeal. Also, there is likely a good reason why this is the standard practice at the school.
Why must it come to this?
This is beyond rediculous. If they could be there, they would. Why not leave them empty? They have worked too hard to not have them honored by leaving them empty. How inconsiderate of the school board.
Well in my opinion this is not even something that should need school board approval. This should be automatically given. My niece knew Kaitlyn, not from school but other things they both participated in outside of school. There are no words that can console a parent freinds or relative during a tragedy like this. The parents, relatives, classmates and freinds should not have to endure more pain and emotional suffering right now because of bureaucrat's. All I can say is the school board needs to do the right thing and have these young ladies seats open at their graduation. If not have the classmates be smart. Have the classmates skip those seats when they sit down and have the last two bring their own seats. Then in the next election for school board, which is held every two years, let this graduating class of new voters (hopefully registered voters) and all of Chesapeake registered voters voice they're dismay and disbelief over this situation by voting them out of these school board jobs. Vote in some new members that would not think twice about this and would not have to even ask for these chairs to be left open. Their jobs are voted on by the people they are angering and frustrating right now.
I SAY VOTE THIS SCHOOL BOARD OUT NEXT COUPLE OF ELECTIONS!!!!!
We the people of the city of Chesapeake have a voice and it will be heard!!!!!
Please! This is an appropriate recognition! The school system shouldn't hesitate, it prolongs their agony. Please, announce the right decision SOONER than later.
Great Bridge HS administrators, you should be ashamed of yourselves. What harm is this causing and what is it costing the school to leave two seats empty? This is ridiculous and shameful that the senior class has to beg for their fellow students to be honored in such a way that only makes sense to the rest of the community.
I am a parent and Coach from Hollidaysburg High School in Pennsylvania. Just about every year a student passes before graduation. Since I graduated in the 1980's we have always had an empty seat for the graduate. It is how these students honor the classmate that is no longer with them. Sadly this year we lost an amazing young lady on April 14th, she had a full scholarship to a local College for softball and academics. It is how these students move forward feeling her closeness. Her seat will have flowers on them. Her name will be announced and family and or friend will accept her diploma. Administration feels this is closure for her classmates to move on with her remembrance. Graduation is this Friday, June 2nd. Please give these students the closure they so desire. Our prayers are with your Community.
We all understand that graduation is supposed to be a time of celebration. The Great Bridge community has been rocked by this tragedy and graduation for the Great Bridge seniors is going to be tough. Let the students have the seats for Kaitlyn and Sabrina. Why make these kids fight for seats? They are telling you this is what they want. This is how they want to celebrate and honor the girls. It is ultimately their graduation, not ours. Honor them and listen to them; don't make them spend their last few weeks stressed and upset because you won't let two seats be empty where the girls would have sat if the accident hadn't happened.
It doesn't seem to makes any sense not to allow for the open seats. But still, it should NOT be something that should be decided in haste.
I think the biggest issue is that if you do this for the two girls then you need to be ready and willing to offer the same "honor" to any and all in a similar situation.
With that being said, I can think of a few instances where it would be an outright shame to honor certain fallen students at their missed graduation.
-God bless Kaitlyn and Sabrina. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Why should no even be an option... it would be so disappointing if they don't let their seats be empty, not only that but if they were still here they earned it! You shouldn't fill their seats up jut because one stupid drunk driver took their lives! ........ it's a shame that we even have to vote for this!
I do not understand the motivation behind the school refusing their entire graduating class and the families a great opportunity for healing. What is this school trying to prove? Just how heartless they are??? This shouldn't be an issue. Let them have the empty chairs there.
I cannot contemplate a logical reason for denying this request. Who or what would it harm?
How tragic that a suspected drunk driver took one life and seriously injured another. And the school can't support the families at this sad time? Longwood University held it's commencement ceremony last week and honored a deceased classmate in the program.
IN MEMORIUM
Student's Name
December 23, 1994 - March 4, 2017
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Lancaster, VA
Come on Great Bridge High School. Do what is right for the girls, their classmates, and the families!!!
These girls earned their seats. Graduation is a time of celebrating! Kaitlyn & Sabrina are still part of their class. This would help aid in healing the families and friends of these two beautiful girls. Our entire Community has been feeling the pain since this tragic accident. Prayers and strength to the families of Kaitlyn and Sabrina.
I always thought the gesture of leaving an open seat when someone has passed away or who were seriously injured before graduation was a given. Graduation is a time of both celebration and honoring everyone who made up the class. It was not their choice not to be there. Those young women are part of that class and their seats should be left empty to honor them and their achievements. Those left behind request this in order to help them cope with the horrific accident. Facilitating the healing of students in the Administration's charge alone should be a reason to do it. I have attended three graduations where schools allowed this. All ceremonies were orderly, the honor did not take away from the celebration of others. I always felt it taught students about respect and honor. In all three it was a quiet and important gesture, honoring the hard work of students. The parents should be able to receive the diplomas of their daughters and also the Administrators should honor the girls by placing the seat that they earned along with all the other earned seats of their classmates.
I can't wrap my head around why Kaitlyn and Sabrina's seats wouldn't be left open, especially because they had such a huge impact on our school and both had astonishing academic achievements. It's not hurting anyone to leave 2 seats open that were already supposed to be occupied anyways to honor their classmates.
Rules should not override common sense. The entire community is grieving with these families. The graduating class has spoken and they are overwhelmingly in support of leaving these seats open so what is the harm in approving this? It doesn't take anything away from the other students but allows everyone to celebrate these two girl's achievements along with their classmates. #dotherightthing
It's so sad that the school board isn't representing the wishes of the very students they should be representing. But they'll become voting citizens, and, hopefully, they can respect the wishes of the people.
But really, who the hell does the school board think they are? Who's influencing them to do this? What's their reasoning? So many questions.
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. THE SCHOOL BOARD BETTER STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT...PRONTO...AND THEY BETTER ANNOUNCE IT TOMORROW MORNING IMMEDIATELY. WHAT A LAUGHING STOCK FOR THEM TO DO THIS. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO TO BOYCOTT GRADUATION IF THEY DON'T ANSWER...AND QUICK. THIS IS NOT EVEN FUNNY THAT THEY WOULD BE DOING THIS. LIKE THEY WERE SOME LOW LIFE'S THAT GOT CAUGHT SMOKING IN THE BATHROOM AND SKIP SCHOOL. EVEN THEN IT WOULDN'T BE RIGHT. BUT FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD, THESE GIRLS ARE SOME OF THE BETTER STUDENTS EVER TO EMERGE FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.. EVER. WHAT THE HE'LL PLANET ARE THESE PEOPLE ON TO BE DOING THIS. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. It's like they live under a rock. Not kidding!!!
This should not even be up for a vote. Do the right thing, leave there seats open and where the girls would have been sitting. I am so upset by this, Kaitlyn Duffy was an amazing beyond "A" student , plus an amazing young lady who worked very hard for her grades. . She earned her seat at graduation and her family deserves to hear her name called and get her diploma. I didn't know the other young lady but the same goes for her and her family. Hasn't the Duffy and Mundorff family been through enough? And anyone who should think otherwise on this matter, how do you sleep at night? DO THE RIGHT THING, LEAVE THE SEATS OPEN.
This should not even be up for a vote. Do the right thing, leave there seats open and where the girls would have been sitting. I am so upset by this, Kaitlyn Duffy was an amazing beyond "A" student , plus an amazing young lady who worked very hard for her grades. . She earned her seat at graduation and her family deserves to hear her name called and get her diploma. I didn't know the other young lady but the same goes for her and her family. Hasn't the Duffy and Mundorff family been through enough? And anyone who should think otherwise on this matter, how do you sleep at night? DO THE RIGHT THING, LEAVE THE SEATS OPEN.
This should not even be a question, Kaitlyn Duffy & Sabrina Mundorff worked very hard to achieve there seat at graduation...The City of Chesapeake should honor these wishes...
As a current student I believe this situation is utterly rediculous. I feel adults forget these kids spend countless hours each day and night doing homework, studying for test, working their asses off to be rewarded at the end of senior year. Its the least that can be done to place two damn chairs to honor the hard work and dedication each girl had endured these past 4 years; as well as to provide justice and comfort to those who lost a daughter and friend. Also, the fact that the parents have to be fighting for a seat that is rightfully their child's is so insensitive and not necessary, honestly who is it hurting? Respect needs to be given where it's due. Acknowledging those that have past should not be this difficult, this system needs to change, let's make this the light that ignites.
My! How it would probably be a different story if it was someone in the family of the ones making the decision. There would more than likely be no discussion on what the right decision would be, LET THEM HAVE THE EMPTY SEATS. Those two girls are family.
I don't understand why this is even a question or still up for debate!! Let the graduating class honor their missing classmates in what ever way they see fit! A couple of empty chairs is a small request and should have been approved immediately!
This shouldn't EVEN be an issue! Those young ladies EARNED those seats. All the rest of the students worked along side them and they've earned the right to observe their passing in this manner. We should encourage such things. Please, let the principal and/or superintendent announce the approval of the observance.
Not just empty seats but their seats where they would have been sitting!!
Truly do not understand why the wishes of the majority of the students can be honored and why the parents are even having to fight for this!!!
Haven't they been through enough stress!??
I do not understand this is even a question. These girls earned those seats along with their diplomas. Honor these young girls & honor their parents. You say it is a time of celebration, yes it is, CELEBRATE their lives AND their accomplishments. I can't believe that there has to be a poll for this. Honor Kaitlyn Duffy & Sabrina Mundorff as well as their families. Fly High Kaitlyn, & pray for complete healing for Sabrina. Prayers for both families. God Bless You.
THESE STUDENTS WORK VERY HARD TO GET TO A PLACE WHERE THEIR ACHIEVMENT SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED JUST LIKE ALL OTHER GRADUATES. IT DOES NOT HURT ANYONE TO LEAVE THEIR CHAIRS...IT IS JUST THAT THEIRS! THEY WORKED FOR THOSE SPOTS AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AWAY!!!!
One of my classmates passed shortly before graduation and not only did we have an empty chair, but his best friends accepted his diploma and took it into the stands to his parents. As a class we celebrated his life and time with us and his parents were still able to hear their only child's name called during the ceremony.
Why is this even a question?? The girls and their families earned it and deserve to be recognized!