LETTERS OT THE EDITOR: POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE? LATE CHANGE IN REQUIREMENTS DRAWS FIRE: DAMAGING MESSAGES SENT BY RULE CHANGE

To the Editor,

The Cape Girardeau School Board sent two disturbing messages Friday by adopting a last-minute, behind-closed-doors policy to allow students who have not met the requirements for graduation to participate fully in graduation ceremonies.

The first message is that you can get special treatment if you know officials who make policy. This practice is what has corrupted our state and federal governments to the point that they no longer represent the average person's interests.

The second and most damaging message is that you don't have to follow the rules and make the same effort as others to achieve the same reward. A student and his parents or guardians are aware for four years of the requirements for graduation. Extenuating circumstances or not, there are plenty of chances during those four years to make up classes and obtain the credits necessary for graduation. The ultimate reward for those sacrifices and hard work (besides the obvious personal satisfaction and knowledge gained) is donning that cap and gown and marching to "Pomp and Circumstance" to receive your diploma in front of family, friends and classmates. This privilege should be reserved for those who have made the necessary sacrifices and met the outlined requirements.

For those who lack the necessary credits, I applaud them for sticking with it and completing their education. They can go through the graduation ceremony when they have earned it.

Young people today need and want standards and rules. Relaxing standards and bending rules certainly doesn't prepare them for the real world.

BETTY A. DRY

Cape Girardeau