I attended the graduation of my grandson and his classmates at Warren Central High School. This was to be one of the highlights of their lives. They are to be congratulated for their achievements and I wish them the very best as they move forward.

Unfortunately, the entire graduation program was marred with problems. The choir could not be heard by most people since it had no microphone and the crowd was more interested in talking than listening.

Bradley Scurria did an excellent job of the student declamation and he spoke into the microphone so all could hear, but the exchange student presentation could not be heard. Why didn’t one of the officials tell her to speak into the microphone?

Principal Rodney Smith was a disappointment. He spoke in a monotone voice with no emotion and didn’t even pronounce some of the students’ names correctly. The crowd was plainly instructed to hold its applause and cheering for each student so the next student’s name could be heard. Not only did people yell and scream, some had cow bells and horns to boot! This was a complete lack of respect for what should have been a dignified ceremony.

Mr. Smith could have halted the fiasco by telling the crowd to stop or no diplomas would be handed out, as was done in the past. Instead, he allowed the fiasco to continue with a total lack of respect to each student and his or her parents. Until the administration controls these situations, they will continue and get worse.

I was shocked and dismayed at the ill-mannered crowd who disrespected the honor of the graduation and even more disappointed with the principal who did nothing to control the crowd. Hopefully, next year, it will be better.

Betty Smith

Vicksburg