Petition asks for graduation chair to honor Mark Ysasaga

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LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - An online petition proposing a special graduation tribute for Mark Ysasaga gathered almost 3,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

The 15-year-old went missing in 2012 and his body was found buried in south Lubbock last year.

The petition asks Lubbock ISD to place a chair, a cap and a gown at Coronado's High School graduation.

LISD initially offered to observe a moment of silence for all students who have died, and for students whose family members have passed. Lubbock ISD argues that some families who have lost a child may not appreciate the reminder that an empty chair leaves behind. They say such a reminder may cast a pall over other student's special day.

Ysasaga's mother says she personally asked the school to honor her son with a chair at graduation. She issued this statement to Lubbock media on Wednesday after her request was denied:

When I met with school administration to ask if it would be possible to do something similar to what Colorado City did to remember Hailey Dunn, a student there who was also abducted and murdered, I was told LISD would not allow any sort of tribute because then they would have to provide the same sort of memorial for all students who passed before graduation.

As I left the school heartbroken I decided it was time for someone to fight for all these parents who have lost children and to give these kids and their families a voice.

I agree 100% with the statement that all children who passed should be recognized and celebrated at graduation, regardless of the cause. Losing a child is the. Out difficult thing a family will ever go through, but the reality is the child's friends also suffer a loss that will stay with them forever as well.

You can read her complete statement at the link below: