View Full Version : Graduate Punished for Honoring Military
http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/fox-friends/index.html#/v/990382123001/teen-punished-for-honoring-military/?playlist_id=86912?test=faces
Thanks for posting.
I rather liked the part referencing "sacrifice and celebration", and "not wanting to distract".
Too bad they were not honoring the plight of GBLT farmers of Croatia, the administators would have been lining up to assist.
At my HS grad, we wore shorts under our gowns, launched oversized beach balls bouncing in the crowd, firecrackers. I even wore 2" tape strips spelling out, "Hi Mom!"
The two youg men were mature, too bad a PC society has taken out the air in the fun wheel.
They weren't "punished" - they chose to sit out the ceremony vice taking off a sash and participating - their choice.
As far as graduation attire goes, the accoutrements (cords, sashes, medals, etc) worn are recognition of achievements/accomplishments during one's time in the pursuit of a degree (e.g., National Honor Societies, National Beta Club, International Thespian Society, achieving or exceeding a state's 'recommended' graduation program, etc) and not for something yet to be earned (e.g., serving in the armed forces).
I think the title of the news piece is disingenuously misleading.
At my HS grad, we wore shorts under our gowns, launched oversized beach balls bouncing in the crowd, firecrackers. I even wore 2" tape strips spelling out, "Hi Mom!"
WD - FYI, I would not have let you walk with your class if you had shown up like that at my school, and the beach balls and firecrackers would have delayed your receiving a diploma/transcript until you completed some assigned community service for your misbehavior. I only had one student challenge our graduation policies in such a way during the 13 years I was principal; she didn't walk and came back later to apologize to me and those teachers she admired for letting us down.
Richard :munchin
This one took several turns before ending with the PC order.
Marine Ordered To Wear Cap, Gown For High School Graduation (http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/06/10/marine-to-wear-cap-gown-during-graduation-ceremony/)
Pvt. Lindsay Starr, 17, participated in North Allegheny High School’s graduation. Starr finished high school early and then joined the Marines.
She wanted to wear her dress blues during the ceremony, but the school district initially said she had to be in a cap and gown.
Starr’s interview with KDKA Investigator Marty Griffin created a political firestorm heard all the way in Washington DC in the offices of Congressman Jason Altmire, D-McCandless.
The district initially told Starr she was not permitted to wear her dress blues, but after citing a 2010 law granting a sort of cap and gown exemption to anyone in the military, they did an about face.
Marine higher-ups told Starr to follow orders and wear the cap and gown, enjoy herself and prepare to serve her country.
I also finished highschool early to join the Army. I was not able to attend graduation and no mention of me graduating or serving was made. Didn't bother me, but disappointed my mother, no news story involved.
Having been to a couple of Graduations - and seen the turmoil in the local paper every year about "special" requests I vote on the "law and order" side of rules. This year things were pretty quiet in the Fayetteville area.
The "Me Me Me" folks and parents can ruin a ceremony for the rest.
Plenty of Below the Radar side jokes that people in the know understand - and give a few giggles to.
"But this case is different" - ain't they all.
Texas_Shooter
06-13-2011, 14:45
IMO he should have been allowed to wear the sash. What is the difference between National Honor Society and the U.S. Army. Both are a group of people determined to help the community around them. Why should NHS be the only organization to be honored, it discrimination if you ask me.
What is the difference between National Honor Society and the U.S. Army.
Read post #3; you either skipped it or didn't understand it the first time.
Richard
Texas_Shooter
06-13-2011, 15:44
I understand that they chose to sit it out, but that was because they had two choices. Either take the sash off or sit it out. The administration should not have said no to it.
I understand that they chose to sit it out, but that was because they had two choices. Either take the sash off or sit it out. The administration should not have said no to it.
Now try reading the second paragraph.
Richard
Texas_Shooter
06-13-2011, 16:06
Dress code?
Surgicalcric
06-13-2011, 16:25
...I only had one student challenge our graduation policies in such a way during the 13 years I was principal; she didn't walk and came back later to apologize to me... :munchin
I would have TP rolled your house...but thats just me. :D
I was on the edge the entire time I was in HS but I managed to maintain myself at commencement... However, the church I frequented at the time would honor the graduating seniors by having them walk the aisle to the podium, in cap and gown the Sunday after graduation while the organist played Pomp and Circumstance. This happened every year...well every year but 1989. I talked the organist into playing Hail the Chief when I started down the aisle and the congregation busted out in laughter. Everyone who knew me then thought it was funny...everyone but the pastor. Good times...
I commend them for, at the very least, being considerate for the rest of the student body. Starting a scene would have delayed the ceremony and more than likely pissed off some family members that have schedules. Not everyone can take the day off.
Texas_Shooter
06-13-2011, 16:33
I commend them for, at the very least, being considerate for the rest of the student body. Starting a scene would have delayed the ceremony and more than likely pissed off some family members that have schedules. Not everyone can take the day off.
That I do agree with. For being teenagers they handled that situation very well.
SFQC Graduation. The uniform is put out as dress blues/greens (depends on the year).
At the formation prior to going inside the SGM notices a soldier with a shriner's Fez on.
SGM - "What the Fuck is that on your head, soldier?"
Soldier - "It's a Shriner's Fez, SGM. I'm wearing it to honor my fath................'
Dozer523
06-13-2011, 16:41
I understand that they chose to sit it out, but that was because they had two choices. Either take the sash off or sit it out. The administration should not have said no to it. This guy wanted the graduation to be a"All about him" with his awesome sash that he "earned" by signing up. That is all he did. He signed up. (He didn't earn the Medal of Honor on Iwo Jima and then return to finish High school)
But what of the sacrifice and dedication? Don't know so . . . what about the little girl who thought it completly appropriate that she walk across the stage and collect her diploma with one hand and carry her baby with the other? Wasn't that mean? Look at what this dedicated young young woman went through and still earned her diploma. (Not to mention what she put the school, district and state through so to keep her in school. I digress). Anyway, her baby seems as much a part of the High School experience as selecting a job why wasn't her baby cheered?
Because it isn't supposed to be part of the High school experience. Wanna celebrate? Then celebrate what everyone else celebrates. BTW when little mommy tried to double time across the stage with the babe, she was escorted from the autotorium by two police officers. (That was politely applauded.)
Focus on those around you. Want to wear a cool sash? Earned that pretty blue National Merit Scholar one --- takes about 4 hard years.
Typical Fox BS.
Is it a good sign that two aspiring soldiers are already conspiring to thumb their noses at civilian authority?Typical Fox BS.Where there is smoke, there are mirrors.
Dozer523
06-13-2011, 16:48
Is it a good sign that two aspiring soldiers are already conspiring to thumb their noses at civilian authority?
Target, Cease Fire. Driver, Move OUT!
Anyway, her baby seems as much a part of the High School experience as selecting a job why wasn't her baby cheered?
Because it isn't supposed to be part of the High school experience.
Makes sense.
Scimitar
06-13-2011, 16:49
Yeah, sometimes Fox makes me chringe at being a conservative.
If you're ever seen a School District run, and most parents have, there is so much "Soccer Mum Syndrome" that you just have to have hard and fast rules.
The lads where warned by their friends that it was a no-no, had they asked they may have even been given a dispensation.
BS Flag.
S
I find it interesting that they each got a sash from the Army Recruiter - which means it's an Army Program.
I would think Recruiting Command would be a little more sensitive on the issue. Giving out sashes to wear at graduation?
Yeah, sometimes Fox makes me cringe at being a conservative.MOO, Murdoch's approach to the news is more about counter programming for the sake of ad revenue than it is about political ideology. If CNN were right of center, FNC would be so far to the left that Aaron Sorkin would flinch.
My $0.02.
Dozer523
06-13-2011, 16:58
I would think Recruiting Command would be a little more sensitive on the issue. Giving out sashes to wear at graduation?Pretty sure they are now.:D
FWIW - I was AD when I completed my undergrad and graduate studies - my fellow officers and I wore the same cap, gown, and acoutrements indicating earned academic honors as everyone else graduating from those schools.
Richard :munchin
Thanks for posting.
I rather liked the part referencing "sacrifice and celebration", and "not wanting to distract".
Too bad they were not honoring the plight of GBLT farmers of Croatia, the administators would have been lining up to assist.
At my HS grad, we wore shorts under our gowns, launched oversized beach balls bouncing in the crowd, firecrackers. I even wore 2" tape strips spelling out, "Hi Mom!"
The two youg men were mature, too bad a PC society has taken out the air in the fun wheel.
When.I.walk.in.August.for.my.AAS....I.will.wear.an .Honor.Stole,Tassel,and.Cord.for.having.straight.A 's.:D
After.all.of.the.hard.work.associated.with."graduating,"I.can.see.the.humor.E!:lifter
Peteyboy
06-13-2011, 21:40
I can kind of see why though. As Richard said it was there choice and it is High School graduation so I think (this may just be my opinion) you should stick with the traditional cap'n'gown. A similar thing over the internet I have seen alot recently a female Marine who just finished boot is making a hissy fit because they won't allow her to wear her dress blues for High School graduation...
WD - FYI, I would not have let you walk with your class if you had shown up like that at my school, and the beach balls and firecrackers would have delayed your receiving a diploma/transcript until you completed some assigned community service for your misbehavior. I only had one student challenge our graduation policies in such a way during the 13 years I was principal; she didn't walk and came back later to apologize to me and those teachers she admired for letting us down.
Richard :munchin[/QUOTE]
Graduating class of 800+ seniors, all dressed in shorts or swim wear under the gowns, outside on the football field, parents/guests in the stadium, admins on stage up front.
Beachballs, water cannons, all in good fun. Ceremony commenced without distraction, no time or love lost. Beachballs would fly, the occasional water cannon crossed the stage. School admins even fired back with their own water cannons. Something about celebration made it seem like a party before life got serious, before political correctiveness crept into our lives, when conformity would rule the day. Some students decorated their caps with glitter and lights, most did not, but we did not pass judgement on those that did.
As a retired principal, how would you view an on campus game called "Assassin", where students were issued envelopes with a name of their target? Death could come at any time, especially in class, and teachers were not exempt. They even bought targets to kill. $1.00 enterance fee. You could buy up to 5 targets, a pool of money, that the final survivor would split the winnings with the year book staff.
Sure, target parents to kick in a few extra grand, or cause a bit a chaos in a day of fun on campus with kids pointing "fake" guns (fingers) with rubber bands.
I'd opt for the latter.
As for HS diplomas, the folded black cardboard holders were empty. The school just read names in order. Diplomas were mailed home, with a hand written card from the principal himself. Can't imagine the time it took to write 800+ cards, each different, unique and personal. That level of commitment to students was only equal to our level of commitment to staff, student and school pride.
And for the record: I'd like to have had you for my principal. Love ya brother.
Utah Bob
06-14-2011, 12:41
Time and place.
That's all I'm sayin.:rolleyes:
Want to wear your sash to motivate yourself or whatever, wear it under your gown. You know, your parents know, you're in the proper uniform...