Graduation policy not fair (04/17/08)

To the editor:

There are many times in one's life to stand proud, and graduation day is one of those days. Graduation symbolizes a rite of passage, whether that passage is kindergarten, high school, college or boot camp. Each event has meaning for the graduate, as well as the families and friends involved. There is one event that has meaning for the United States and that is graduating from boot camp.

An individual who makes the extreme sacrifice at the age of 18 to serve and protect his family, friends, neighbors and strangers by joining the military should be honored. It has been brought to my attention that three brave young men from Jay County High School have gone through, or are currently still going through, boot camp. These boys will be home in time for their high school graduation, with hopes of wearing their uniforms in front of many in the gym. Instead, they have been denied approval to wear their military uniforms rather than the traditional cap and gown to the 2008 graduation ceremony.

I do not agree with this decision in any way. If three young men are willing to risk their lives to protect their fellow graduates and citizens, I believe the graduating class should honor them. I have noticed the high school is big on character and states, "character counts." It recognizes students for things they have done due to a true representation of character. If character counts, then where would it count more than at graduation. Allow these boys to wear their uniforms and walk proud. As if risking their lives and fighting for our rights isn't enough.

When I was first told of this situation by a co-worker, I knew exactly what she was going through. She is dealing with her son. I dealt with my brother. Four years ago my brother graduated half-year from Jay County High School and left a few weeks later for U.S. Air Force boot camp. My mother and I went through quite a struggle ourselves for him to be permitted to wear his uniform dress blues to graduation.

After speaking to several people at the high school, my brother was given permission to wear his uniform at commencement. As I watched my brother walk proudly walk across the stage in his uniform and receive his diploma, tears filled my eyes. I had never been more proud of him. He had achieved a lot in those few months. I had never seen my brother more proud of himself than he was in his uniform.

We were told he should wear his cap and gown like everyone else. Why do honor students wear yellow honor cords at graduation, or why do the FFA students wear sashes to show they were part of FFA? They are recognized for those things. Why can't a young man who has completed boot camp while still in high school wear his uniform? He will be sent off to fight for our country. Our soldiers deserve every bit of respect from our community for risking their lives. These men wear their uniforms on every occasion. They are proud of what they do and we should be too.

Please call Jay County High School to ask the administration to change its mind and allow these young men to wear their dress blues to graduation. We should be proud to watch these brave men at commencement as they receive their diplomas. Please stand up with me and support Jay County's heroes.

Brittney Emerick

Portland

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(Editor's note: Jay County High School principal Jeremy Gulley, a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, confirmed that all students going through commencement will be required to wear the traditional cap and gown. Referring to a military term, he called it the "uniform of the day." He said that members of the military are free to wear their uniforms under their cap and gown.)[[In-content Ad]]