PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked seniors at Cape Central High School what they thought about the school board's decision to allow students who do not meet graduation requirements to participate in Friday's commencement ceremony.

Lydia Eddy:

I don't think it's fair, because it makes everyone else's hard work over the years seem insignificant.

Kim Pulley

I think it's very unfair to other students. The requirements for graduation were set out from the start and everyone was aware of them. Allowing those students who do not meet the requirements to graduate takes away from the honor and significance of graduating.

Alison Nall

It's not fair to students who in the past found out they could not graduate because they didn't meet the academic requirements and dropped out. It takes away from the students who stuck it out to the end and are now going to graduate legitimately.

Yung Park

I'm a little disappointed with the school board's decision. The board is supposed to build on excellence; not encourage laziness. Students who have not met the minimum standards for graduation should not be allowed to graduate with those who have.

Jeremy Welch

I think (the decision) should have been made earlier in the year; not this close to graduation. It's also not fair to the students who were a half-credit or so short last year, that were not allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Mark Grimes

I think it's fine. But I think the board should have made up its mind earlier, so those guys could know if they should order graduation announcements and send out invitations and all.