Reader comments
Doug Robinson: Graduates deserve a few laughs

mom of five | 11:24 p.m. June 22, 2009

While I think this is a severe reaction to this particular case, I also believe the level of inappropriate behavior at graduation is appalling. Who in their right mind wants to sit through one to two hours of students acting like juvenile idiots? Believe me, once you've seen one stupid pose, you've seen them all.

Random Poster | 1:20 a.m. June 23, 2009

You only graduate once, and this witch of a woman just ruined the experience for this young man and his family. She should not be allowed to retain her position.

And mom of five: I see you did not take the authors advice in this case. Remember way back when you were one of those "juvenile idiots"? Hard to fathom i know, but there was such a time. Graduation is for the graduates and they should be allowed to celebrate, even if it seems juvenile to certain stuck-up individuals.

grow up | 7:59 a.m. June 23, 2009

If you have really earned your diploma, then act like it. It's now time for the adult world and high time to start acting like it. Showing some decorum at graduation shows civility, respect for others and for yourself, and perhaps even a bit of gratitude for the multitudes of people who got you there. Having fun at graduation does not include acting like you did in junior high.

I am one who also believes that, based upon what is in the story (which may or likely may not include facts), the principal acted too harshly. But having attended graduation ceremonies for my nine kids, I also believe there is a time for fun and a time for appropriate decorum. Kids lack that today because their parents have failed to pass that along as a life virtue. Makes the world less than it could and should be.

Comments continue below

Class of 2000 | 8:52 a.m. June 23, 2009

My son's graduating class here in SLC at West High School dropped pennies each time someone said "Class of 2000". I thought it was great! The pennies just slid from their fingers and and even though the "wardens" almost got out binoculars and did jump out of their seats and wrench their necks to try and see who the guilty kids were; I thought it was rather tasteful for graduation pranks. This principal needs to be taken out to a woodshed in Maine and whipped for her lack of a sense of humor and for being such a stick-in-the-mud...GIVE THE BOY HIS DIPLOMA!!!

Clark | 11:05 a.m. June 23, 2009

Unless the written requirements to graduate high school include a line demanding "proper decorum" at the graduation ceremony, and unless the school district makes Suzanne Lukas arbiter of what that is, then she is way out on a legal, as well as a moral, limb.
People like Suzanne Lukas, which is to say those without a sense of humor, are more to be pittied than scorned.

Cosmo | 11:34 a.m. June 23, 2009

The best thing to do to Her Highness Lukas, is for the family of the young man, to get some help in litigation against Lukas herself. And litigate against her multiple times over a period of years.
Revenge, is a dish best served cold!

loyal reader | 1:04 p.m. June 23, 2009

I like the way Doug words things. He really put a humorous spin on this.
In this day and age, everyone acts like an idiot. It gets old. All we can do is ignore it; it's our only defense.

EdM | 1:35 p.m. June 23, 2009

This is one of those times where I agree and at the same time disagree with Doug. The principal was wayyyy out of line with her thinking/decision making process. At the same time students have tried to turn graduation into a giant beach party. Why not just end graduation ceremonies and just give the seniors their diplomas as they check out of school? A pat on the rear, good job and "Oh by the way, here's your sign!" If you are going to have a "ceremony" then let's have some class, character and dignity. If you are going to have a "party" then let the students do it on their own time, at their own location and be completely responsible for the event. Then if someone gets hurt/upset/injured they will have another "introduction" to the real world! NOW we are talking!

Dipstick | 2:30 p.m. June 23, 2009

This BOZOO should be fired and also the person who hired her. She is totaly unfair and narrow minded.
All people should encourage high school graduation and not withhold it over a kiss or other feel good graduation pranks that hurt no one. I am all for the graduates. We need to be able to show love in our lives. God help America, especially Maine.

the truth | 4:13 p.m. June 23, 2009

This is what happens when you have a rigid adherence to the letter of the law,

while throuwing common sense and the spirit of law out the window.

Craig from Maine | 7:57 p.m. June 23, 2009

Hey, the boy's mother said he wasn't fooling around; he was just "showboating" Mommies of spoiled brats are the best source of information regarding "showboating" kids. Clearly, the superintendent in this school district didn't understand that graduation ceremonies are designed to have students throw beach balls, shoot silly string, take bows and blow kisses! It's all about them! Always!

TXhockeymom | 6:31 p.m. June 24, 2009

EVERY student should blow kisses, jump up and down, hoop and hollar etc... as they cross that stage!! .Lighten up people. They have earned every right. To deny the celebration and joy they feel is outragous! And for them to punish and deny someone their diploma is even more outragous. . Graduation is a very important day in all of our lives. I realize it takes time to call out every name and we all want to hear them but it only happens once for most.. Allow their familes and friends to cheer, take pictures and enjoy every minute. I also realize that some schools have 500-700 kids and graduation takes hours but they all deserve their time on that stage for their last hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!! so sit back relax and let every one of them have their glory. There is no need for the respect or good character speech. I think the accomplishments of the student warranted a kiss, bow, SCREAM whatever. This in now way shows any bad character or disrespect. JUST PURE JOY!!!!!

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