EUGENE, Ore. — The class of 2019 at a Eugene, Oregon, high school was missing one member.
Yvonne Bell-Alanis died last year after losing her battle with leukemia at the age of 16.
But Yvonne's friend still wanted to have her classmate there during the ceremony and planned to bring Yvonne's ashes to graduation this year, KMTR reported.
Student Jade Powell and Hailee Flores wanted to carry Yvonne’s ashes across the stage when they got their diplomas. The also wanted to have photos of her or a moment of silence.
But they were told the day before the ceremony that the tribute to their friend would not be permitted.
They were allowed to keep the photos in their pockets, Bethel School District spokesperson Pat McGillivray todl KMTR, but there was no public display to remember Yvonne. McGillivray said the school officials didn't want to impact others in attendance at the ceremony who may have had a recent loss of their own.
Yvonne's mother, Tiffany Bell-Alanis told the television station that her daughter was there. Her daughter's urn sat in the bleachers with an honorary cap and gown provided by the school, according to KMTR.
Cox Media Group
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