Let them enjoy this important day

To the editor:

After reading the article on Kelly High School's December graduates being barred from the May ceremony, I had to speak out.

Even though I may not live in Missouri, I feel that the school board is penalizing these students for applying themselves and achieving their goal to graduate early. Shouldn't we be praising these students rather than shattering their dreams? They deserve to stand with their fellow classmates getting the recognition and participating in this wonderful day. It is one of the first big milestones in their life and will be something they can look back and say, "Yes, I did it." But a rule that shouldn't even be a rule is going to ruin this day for them.

I can't believe any adult would stand behind the school board's decision. As adults, we're here to support our children and prepare them to go out into the world feeling good about themselves and what they have done. What harm is it to have these students to walk across that stage getting their diplomas, seeing the biggest smiles on their faces and seeing the tears of joy on their cheeks afterward?

VICTORIA AUSTIN, Boise, Idaho