Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Class Of 2000 Voices Opinion On Graduation Policy

Members of the Prescott High School senior class voiced their opinion on letting those who haven't earned the credits march during graduation.

The resounding response was: No grades, no marching.

Ralphael Marlow, senior class vice president, addressed the Prescott School Board at its regular monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 22, telling board members the Student Council took a poll on the issue. The results were students didn't think it would be fair for those who didn't make the grades to be allowed to participate in commencement exercises as it would take away from those who worked hard and earned the right to graduate.

Even those students who are borderline, Marlow said, agreed they didn't want to walk in the graduation parade if they hadn't earned the right, saying it would embarrass them to do it.

According to Marlow, allowing students without the grades to walk gives them the same benefits as those who put out the effort to actually graduate and be presented a diploma.

"They need tough love," Marlow told the board. "It could push them to come back and get their diploma. The embarrassment should be enough motivation to make them come back."

Though the board listened to Marlow and the wishes of the student body, it took no action. It didn't discuss the issue again during the meeting.

When asked about it, board president Rick McGough said it would be addressed at the March meeting.