LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE? LATE CHANGE N REQUIREMENTS DRAW FIRE: A CEREMONY TO HONOR GRADUATES, OR JUST A PHOTO-OP

To the Editor,

What a way to end my senior year at Cape Central High School! After some great finishes in academics and athletics, including the 4A baseball championship, something happens to bring us back to the reality of politics in school systems. When I heard that some seniors were going to be allowed to walk across the stage on Friday night even though they lacked necessary credits, I was shocked.

When a student enrolls in ninth grade, one of the first things they find out is what will be expected of them over the next four years (if they plan to graduate with their class). Each year students are reminded of these requirements when pre-enrollment occurs. Why, suddenly, do we have students participating in graduation even though they haven't earned their place in the ceremony? The answer to the question seems to be obvious: It all depends on whom you know -- and whether they have the ability to work around the system.

The graduation ceremony is designed to honor those students who have fulfilled what is expected. Allowing students who have not met requirements to participate takes away from the significance of the ceremony.

The timing of the decision is bad, but this decision would be unfair anytime that it was made. Students need to learn that they cannot make it through life by having connections and avoiding deadlines and expectations.

The real question is, "Is commencement a ceremony to honor graduates, or is it a photo opportunity?"

KIM PULLEY

Student Body President 1993-94

Central High School