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Virtual academy students ask LAUSD for separate, more intimate graduation ceremonies
Summary
Students and parents from leadership and public service virtual academies told the committee they want independent graduation ceremonies and to restore valedictorian/salutatorian speeches after being combined with five other schools in a single, prolonged event.
Several students and parent representatives from the district's virtual academies asked the committee to intervene in graduation planning, saying combined ceremonies with multiple schools have produced long, impersonal events and curtailed student speeches.
"After 12 years of education ... we are scheduled to graduate this June," said Abigail Delator, a virtual academy student who requested an independent ceremony for her school; she and other speakers said last year's combined ceremony ran six hours and limited family attendance. Students and student advisory council members said over 90% of surveyed students favor independent ceremonies and asked that valedictorian and salutatorian speeches not be removed.
Student leaders proposed alternatives including an awards night with relaxed guest caps, or separate ceremonies that would allow friends, teachers and extended family to attend. Christopher Stella Torres, a virtual‑academy student, said restricting speeches to a single student and limiting guests contributes to feelings of isolation experienced by some virtual learners.
District staff told speakers they heard the concern and that logistics and planning are ongoing; students requested continued updates and board consideration to ensure equity of graduation experiences between virtual and traditional schools.
