To the graduating seniors of the class of 2020:

First, I would like to congratulate you. You have put in the hard work, dedication, and tireless effort to reach this important milestone in your life. Many people will tell you these are the best years of your life. In many respects, they’re right. The lessons you’ve learned until this point, the friends you’ve made, and the journeys you’ve experienced will stay with you forever.

However, this is not the end. I challenge each of you to continue to learn about the world, seek knowledge, and make connections with people as you begin the next chapter of your life. As the first class of my tenure at Fulton County Schools, you will always hold a special place in my heart. I am profoundly saddened that these unprecedented circumstances have taken away opportunities to experience so many of the cherished moments associated with your senior year.

Know that these decisions made during this extraordinary crisis were made to ensure your continued safety and well-being, as well as that of your families, friends, and your teachers. We have learned much, and will continue to understand more about how we manage situations like this as we continue navigating through this crisis. Fortunately, despite the grim circumstances, you have continued to provide a shining light that motivates all of us to demonstrate empathy, poise, and positivity in the face of adversity.

Due to the level of risk and uncertainty that we have at this point, I have asked principals to begin consulting with members of the Class of 2020 regarding alternate plans for this year’s graduation ceremonies. More specifically, I have asked principals to start making plans for a modified ceremony to be held at your high school. This might include a blend of virtual and in-person participation while adhering to social distancing requirements, or it could be more of a virtual, nontraditional ceremony.

While our plans for a normal conclusion to the school year have come to a halt, I call on each of you and your collective wisdom to devise solutions that allow us to replace traditional ceremonies with new ways to honor you in a manner of which you are deserving. I ask you to reach out to your friends, classmates, and school leaders to develop innovative approaches to graduation that will both pay tribute to you and prioritize everyone’s safety.

Now, more than ever, I ask that you come together to define your legacy, show our district, state, and nation, and the world how special you are by leaning in and helping us find the solution. In order to facilitate your plan for this, I am making Friday, May 1, 2020, the last official day of school for graduation-eligible seniors. #FCS2020seniors.

I believe in you. Our families believe in you. The school board believes in you. I know that you can come up with creative solutions.

Talk to your school principal. Your school principal and leadership should be reaching out to you for ideas through your School Governance Council, through your school leadership groups, and I know that every community will come out with a viable, reasonable, and safe solution.

Thank you.