Justin Denney, the graduate who was denied his diploma for alleged misbehavior, will receive his diploma according to news reports from WMTW-TV in Maine. The School Administrative District 6 Board of Directors held an emergency meeting to discuss Superintendent Suzanne Lukas’ performance at the Bonny Eagle High School graduation last weekend. “Denney said Lukas accused him of fooling around after he blew a kiss and bowed to his parents before approaching her.” Here is a video report of Justin Denney describing what happened to him.
Since then high school principal Beth Schultz said she has called Denney’s home several times in an effort to give him his diploma. Thursday night, Lukas attended the emergency meeting but had no comment following a private two-hour executive session. No action has been taken yet, and would require that board members return to open session. While Chairman David Hopkins could not comment on what was discussed behind closed doors, he did say that a board member had made a motion to discuss Lukas’ performance at graduation. A special meeting is scheduled for the SAD 6 on Monday at 6 p.m. at Bonny Eagle Middle School and will discuss graduation related issues. The agenda includes a workshop reviewing high school graduation expectations.
Since this meeting Justin Denney and his father have sought legal counsel with Dan Lilley who is an attorney in the Portland area.
The effects that this may have on Justin Denney are real. Having worked with teens in public high schools as a therapist, I have encountered similar situations where a teen was denied their diploma upon graduation. It can be damaging to their self-esteem in ways we cannot determine. Unfortunately in that case the teen ended up giving up and dropping out and having a child. In this case Justin will most likely receive his diploma and hopefully go on to complete his nursing degree. What could have been a glorious moment for everyone turned out to be just another flaw in the educational system. How far might a simple heartfelt apology go right now? Instead it will be one more legal battle with tons of taxpayer’s money being wasted.
Comments
C'mon George get real. The effects of the publicity of this event will have a far greater impact than not getting an empty diploma cover on the stage. True, administration efforts to curb student behavior at what should be a somewhat reverential ceremony go too far at times, but there are a far greater number of instances where a few students ruin the ceremony for everyone with boorish behavior. I don't buy the dropout let's get pregnant deal at all.
I wrote this to the superintendent's direct e-mail address (suzanne_lukas@sad6.k12.me.us):
Dear Ms. Lukas,
I just graduated from the University of California, Berkeley--I'm sure you've heard of it. One month ago, I sat in my cap and gown and witnessed my fellow graduates cheer, bow, and shout to their loved ones in the audience. One man moonwalked across the stage, only to be outdone by a man who jumped up and landed in the splits. None of these actions was unacceptable. In contrast, they added to the celebratory atmosphere of that day's event. Each personal victory dance reminded the audience that this was not a boring ceremony, but a personal milestone in the lives of those who walked across the stage. Please remember, graduation ceremonies do not belong to those who give out the diplomas, but instead to those who receive them.
The diploma belongs to the graduating student and his family, not the little mini-Stalin.
Physically take the diploma from their hands, and backhand them if they resist.
We empower these tyrants by not smacking them we they ask for it.
He's now famous.
He's not been hurt. Might even make a few bucks off it.
Guess it pays to not follow the written behavior contract. Do you suppose if he'd violated the track team's code of conduct that he would have been able to participate in the state championship meet? Rules matter, especially so when you suspect an administrator is out to get you.
And he's going to be a nurse? ooops... lotsa rules in nursing.
It may open his eyes to the nature of as sholes in positions of administration, but I feel confident he won't get pregnant.
Good god why are people in education so clueless from the superindent to this george guy. If this kid gets a cent and Lukas doesn't get slapped on the wrist then we are all screwed.
he did not break rules sauerkraut he blew his mom a kiss. What was in the rules had nothing to do with bowing. If they sue it should not be for monitary gain. It should be to remove this woman from her position. Maybe you and she could go work in a jail together.
JC George lighten up, no one get's permanently tramatized over NOT getting a piece of paper for 10 minutes.
he graduated from high school, he got his diploma a little later.
it's over.
The ones here who don't think its a big deal, you are sick just like the dumb woman (Suzanne). She evidentally is a mental basket case. I say sue the hell out of her, fire her ass, sue the officials, sue the county. Teach them a lesson bunch of hitler people...get real
I interviewed Justin Denney this past weekend on my radio show. You can catch it on my MySpace page at myspace dot com slash thedrewrobertsshow.
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