The COVID-19 pandemic has made the fate of graduation for many high school seniors all across New Jersey unclear, but one Union County teen is hoping to change that with a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy.

“Dear Governor Murphy…" begins the letter written by Alexis Hammer. “I hope you gave the New Jersey class of 2020 the same level of consideration when deciding to open the Jersey Shore,” says Hammer.

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In a now-viral post, the Westfield High School senior calls on her state governor, advocating for herself and her peers who have waited 12 years for their big day — graduation.

“I'm asking you to reconsider your decision and allow New Jersey schools to have in-person graduation ceremonies,” says Hammer.

The executive order does not allow in-person events, such as graduations in New Jersey.

“Obviously, safety is a priority, but if we can have a safe socially distanced graduation ceremony where we can be together one last time, I think that's very important and it's definitely possible.”

But just this week, Murphy offered a bit of hope to graduating students.

“Let me just say to the parents, and the seniors in particular and to middle schoolers and potentially elementary school, but the big one are high school seniors, I was asked yesterday, 'Do they have a right to have hope, that we can find a way?' And they do have a right to have hope, and I would add to that, bear with us. We're trying to figure this one out," the governor said.

It was a step in the right direction for seniors such as Hammer.

“As of now, everyone has to be pretty flexible with the virus, but if there's some outcome, but where we can postpone or we can compromise, I would be willing to do that as well," Hammer says.