Thousands Sign Petition Against Michelle Obama HS Grad Speech, But Not For The Reasons You Think The Kansas school district is being asked to reconsider plans to have Michelle Obama speak at a high school commencement next month. An online petition, which already has around 1,700 signatures, is continuing to circulate. The petition stems from the belief that the first ladys appearance could drastically limit seating for the ceremony, The Blaze states. The Topeka Unified School Distract is holding the massive graduation ceremony for five local high schools in an arena that holds less that 7.5 thousand people. Seniors who are graduating are allotted six tickets each for friends and relatives to attend the ceremony. If the Secret Service allows for first lady to attend, additional seats will open up, and many people will be sitting behind the stage. According to the Associated Press, there has also been discussion around opening an overflow room at a hotel next to the arena. According to Taylor Gifford, the high school senior who started the petition, she was initially excited when she heard Michelle Obama was coming. However, when rumors of a short supply of tickets surfaced, Gifford claims that the focus shifted from the students to the first lady. People think its a great opportunity, but its the graduates time. They are getting that diploma that they worked so hard for, Gifford told the Associated Press, Families are feeling that they are being cheated out of their loved ones special day. I just think it doesnt belong at graduation, said Abbey Rubottom, another graduating student. Theyve taken the glory and shine from the children and put it on Mrs. Obama, said a mother of one of the students, She doesnt know our kids. 