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Marion graduation decision

Marion high school officials have bowed to pressure and will allow graduation ceremonies tomorrow.

About 40 people spoke at Tuesday's meeting at Marion High School, before a crowd of about 350. Seated up front were the school board members, superintendent and student reps: Richard Boyes, Jeff Kittle, Don Conning, Rich Adriaansen, Ron Barber, David Loucks, Sharon Varalli, Jennifer LaFlam and Rebecca Lewis.

Board president Kittle read the board's prepared statement during the opening of the meeting. The following is an excerpt:

When does a supposedly harmless prank become vandalism? When do adults who should set the moral standards for a community intervene? ...the activity last Thursday morning cannot be confused with class spirit. The words are patently offensive to the sensibilities of this community. They are demeaning to individuals and in particular to all females. Phrases written on the road taunted adults and parents: "Do you know where your kids are?" was one comment. Our school building and community were defaced with mean spirited words. This was pure vandalism. Dishonorable, criminal activity.

The question may be asked, Why punish the whole graduating class for the actions of a few? If we thought that this vandalism was committed by a very small number of seniors, we might have considered a different approach. Instead, the early phase of the investigation brought more than 30 names to the surface as students who either were alleged to have participated or who had knowledge of those who did.

In the larger scheme of things, this issue is not just about graduation. It is about the standards, behaviors and attitudes we promote in our children of all ages. It is about parent and community responsibility for our young people. It is about supervision and guidance of young people at all times. It is about teaching young people the consequences of associating with others who may have bad attitudes and intentions and getting linked to their actions. It is about stepping forward when you have information about a crime that has been committed. It is about acting honorably in a way that builds pride for the individual, family, school, and the community as a whole."

And some have indeed stepped forward, admitting at least in taking part of painting the road in front of the school - an annual graduation tradition.

After Kittle read this statement, he called names from a sign-up sheet. Each parent or student was allowed two minutes at the podium. Opinions were varied about the board's decision to postpone graduation.

John VanStaalduinen said the vandalism scandal is "a great big blemish on this class. But it will be a bigger blemish on the school board, if they don't let the class graduate."

Barry Thorne has a son in the senior class, but he still supports the board's decision.

Class President Tara Schinsing said: "We have worked too hard to have this taken away from us, because of a few idiots."

Parent Gordon Mostert said the school board is "holding the class hostage." He says a graduation ceremony is the only just path.

Class Treasurer Becky Mostert said "If no graduation ceremony is held, I will never say I was proud to be a Marion gradaute."

Another parent, Vicky LaFlam says the board has declared the punishment and must follow through with it. On the other hand, Pat DePoint asked the board members to reconsider their position.

Another speaker said that "the vandalism pales in comparison to the significance of graduation."

The Board scheduled a meeting for last night for an Executive Session (closed to the public) to discuss the ongoing criminal investigation.

Pictured at the June 23 meeting are TV Channel 13 news anchor Ginny Ryan, speaking with Superintendent Don Conning, as Richard Boyes and Jeff Kittle look on.

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