Ventura County seniors protest for an in-person graduation

VENTURA, Calif.-- A very different type of protest took place in Ventura County Friday afternoon. High school seniors came out, pushing to hold a graduation in-person. The students made it clear that they are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure it would still be safe.

Hundreds of high school seniors from across Ventura County gathered at the Government Center Friday for one reason. Many wearing masks, but still making their voices heard; they want a graduation.

“It is like a moment I would like to have and look back on and I can say, yeah I had a full graduation,” said Matt Rez, who is a Senior at Westlake High School.

“We just want to feel normal and have a graduation ceremony,” said Joshua Alanghorne, who is a senior at Westlake High School.

Many seniors will celebrate graduation virtually this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students dressed in their caps and gowns and pleaded for a last minute miracle.

"I am here today because I want a chance to see everyone that I grew up with one last time,” said Rez.

Many parents also came out to show their support. Students even printed out a proposal plan to show how a graduation can be safe.

“A ceremony with all the rules that society has given us that is successful with the virus like, mask, 6 feet apart,” said Alanghorne. “We can easily do it. I think this is what we are here for today.”

“We are not saying that corona is a myth and we are high schoolers and we need this graduation,” said Rez. “We are just saying we will take whatever steps we need to take to have an event to see everyone again. I don’t think anyone here is expecting this to happen in June or July, but we are hoping that at some point we can have an in-person celebration and we will take all precautions necessary.”