Graduation, What should it be?

["SHOWKILLER"]

5-18-2006 Booneville graduated our Seniors. What should have been a joyous occasion turned out to be what MOST thought of as a funeral. Our new Principal (Steve Halter) in all his grand wisdom decided to have police enforcement at the event. At any event at Booneville there are never more than 2 or 3 officers at the most and then all they do is direct traffic. Halters intent last night was for everyone to hold their applause until after the ceremony was over and then clap and cheer and if you didn't comply you would be made a fool by being Police escorted out. I have been to several high school graduations and never have I seen anything like last night. If you clapped and whoo-rahed he instructed the police to take care of it. Before Halter these events were what they were supposed to be, joyous. What has our world come too when your in fear of being hauled off to the pokey for cheering for a loved one. NOW THAT IS UN-AMERICAN.

[Drama Mama ™]

Wow......are you all a bunch of wild ones over there in Booneville or what ?     Ok.....graduation is over....school is just about out and I'm sure you could rustled up a couple of guys from FF to take care of a little business for ya    Little arse whopping never hurt anyone 

[RD™]

Ill be glad to take on the Booneville School System, would spark up some great rivalry hatred on Highway 10.

["SHOWKILLER"]

We maybe RED-NECKS but we know how to act in a public and formal setting This guy came from a THUG school and is trying to treat us as such. Graduation is an event to be proud of not one you wish NOT to remember. Some people still think you can force your own beliefs and values on others. THAT'S UN-AMERICAN!!! If you know this tyrant, let him know about it. Steve Halter is his name.

[philgoodallday]

I must say, I'm a little surprised by this.  I attended Paragould's graduation Monday as a faculty member.  It was held at the Convocation Center at ASU, and I don't remember seeing one police officer.  That situation seems a little militaristic for Booneville, AR.

[AB™]

Alma always has theirs on the football field.  My graduation was actually the first one I had ever attended.  I didn't really know what to expect.  We probably filled up about half of our home side maybe a little more.  There were a few on the visitor side as well.  But the thing that got me was all the noise and rowdiness.  There were plenty of air horns and even alot of families made signs and let it be known when their son/daughter's name was called.  I expected it to be a little more formal than that.

[Catmama]

I too was at Booneville Graduation.  While I choose to view graduation as a formal event and hold my applause until what I perceive as the appropriate time, that is my opinion and right.  If someone else chooses to clap and hoot and holler, I guess that's their right as well.  I'll not let Mr. Hitler, oops, Mr. Halter ruin my memories of a very special event.  I was here long before our current BHS Principal and will be here long after he's gone and will continue to support our school.

[HNTNDUX]

I think there is some truth to a graduation being more of a formal event. It should be about the graduates. And should be nice and free of bad memories. I don't think Hitler was totally out of line to make a suggestion to please hold applause and try to be orderly so that it is a nice event for everyone. After all this is an event for all ages, grandparents, parents, and little brothers and sisters, so it should not be a hooping fest; BUT let me add this. If you get 4 or 5 people together for anything odds are that at least one is going to act a fool. Since there were hundreds at this event it is unrealistic to expect to not have anyone cheering on their kids or grandchildren, and for everyone to just sit in silence and respect everyone else around them. If Mr. Hitler would have just let the half dozen over excited people act a fool and yell for their loved one it would have gotten quiet again for the announcement of the next graduate and things would have passed over smoothly, but by him making suggestions, and asking for the police to handle the crowd and control the yelling it only angered everyone in the stands. The crowd started griping and mumbling among themselves and in a matter of minutes it was hard to hear who he was announcing. He definitely escalated the situation by trying to force people to be as refined in public as he thinks they need to be. The people that were yelling and disrespectful have always been that way, they will be that way tomorrow and you should accept them for who and what they are. This is America and they have the right to express themselves however they see fit. If it doesn't embarrass them than it should be alright. There were 2 things that I was more upset over (1) the mumbling and talking and laughing that he created from the crowd than a half dozen outburst of emotions and (2) he decided that he thought we didn't know how to act in public he put astericks (*) in the program to tell us when it was appropriate to applaud.  We have talked to several parents from his old school (Lafayette County) and all they had to say that he was successful in killing their school spirit.  We cannot let this happen here. 

[Uncle Ivan]

5-18-2006 Booneville graduated our Seniors. What should have been a joyous occasion turned out to be what MOST thought of as a funeral. Our new Principal (Steve Halter) in all his grand wisdom decided to have police enforcement at the event. At any event at Booneville there are never more than 2 or 3 officers at the most and then all they do is direct traffic. Halters intent last night was for everyone to hold their applause until after the ceremony was over and then clap and cheer and if you didn't comply you would be made a fool by being Police escorted out.

Wynne does this to the point of ridiculousness, and I'm glad they do.

If you've been to a graduation where folks are acting like idiots, hooting and hollering, and you miss someone's names because of it, then you'll appreciate police enforcement.

["SHOWKILLER"]

5-18-2006 Booneville graduated our Seniors. What should have been a joyous occasion turned out to be what MOST thought of as a funeral. Our new Principal (Steve Halter) in all his grand wisdom decided to have police enforcement at the event. At any event at Booneville there are never more than 2 or 3 officers at the most and then all they do is direct traffic. Halters intent last night was for everyone to hold their applause until after the ceremony was over and then clap and cheer and if you didn't comply you would be made a fool by being Police escorted out.

Wynne does this to the point of ridiculousness, and I'm glad they do.

If you've been to a graduation where folks are acting like idiots, hooting and hollering, and you miss someone's names because of it, then you'll appreciate police enforcement.

Booneville's graduation has NEVER been an event that got out of hand. This guy is out to DESTROY school spirit and enforce his beliefs on ALL. He has proposed to do away with such school spirit activities like prom and the Mr./Miss BHS Pageant. We as a community have allowed our school board to back this tyrant. For me this is the last straw, I'm an adult and know how to behave in public and I sure don't need any high school principal telling me how and what to do.

[cheap seats]

Have to agree with Uncle Ivan.  I was embarrassed at the crowd's behavior at the last graduation I went to.  But that's what happens when you hold things on the football field.

People are treated everything like it's a sporting event now.  I can't stand to go to concerts, graduations, awards assemblies, drama productions, etc.  Sadly manners, etiquette, and decorum have gone away in America.

It all started when we got more concerned about feelings rather than discipline at home and school.

Stepping off my soapbox now.

[Bob Lablaw]

Last year at my graduation, of course my family and everybody was there and it got to a quiet point and my cousin blurts out "My mom DRIVES the short bus!"............now this is true, she does, but I don't know how exactly this came about.........

[softballash25]

We maybe RED-NECKS but we know how to act in a public and formal setting This guy came from a THUG school and is trying to treat us as such. Graduation is an event to be proud of not one you wish NOT to remember. Some people still think you can force your own beliefs and values on others. THAT'S UN-AMERICAN!!! If you know this tyrant, let him know about it. Steve Halter is his name.

Why would you say Mr. Halter came from a Thug school?    When he was in Ashdown...........I would have to say he enforced things more like a red-neck.   That was probably 9 or 10 years ago.............maybe he has mellowed out in his older age.

[donkeyfan]

What a PANTLOAD!!  I had a niece graduating.  Thanks for bringing the whole thing down.  The principal's job is to keep discipline in school and make sure things run smoothly in school.  NOT treat your employers (we the citizens of this state who pay their salary) with disrespect at graduation. 

Let me tell you a story.  When I graduated from BHS- with honors, mind you- my fellow classmates cooked up a little prank.  The president of the school board was Jack, the father of one on the girls in our class, and he was the one handing out diplomas.   I went to Wally World and bought a bag of marbles.  Each member of the class received a marble.  When it came time to get our diplomas, we handed Jack the marble.  At first he didn't know what to do with all the marbles.  When the night was over, Jack had a pocket full of marbles, and we had our diplomas, and a little laugh.   No harm done, BUT I'M SURE YOU WOULD HAVE MESSED YOUR PANTS, Steve Halter!

I'm sure there was enough hootin' and hollerin' between diplomas to be inappropriate.  But I didn't hear it.  Mr. Prewett, our principal back then, didn't call the cops on anyone.  A couple years later, I ran into Jack's wife in Ft. Smith at a department store.  He still had all the marbles in a jar on his fireplace mantle.

[chrismurphy19]

*Wants to respond, but is too busy staring at Crumby's signature*

[wynneaholic©]

example.........
My wife graduated from Phillips College of the Univ. of Arkansas 1 week ago in Helena and everyone was given strict instructions this was a formal event, so no hooping and ho olering.  At the beginning of the graduation the speaker informed everyone in attendance (around 1500 people) to hold all applause and hollering until all names had been called out, so the next person getting his or her name called could be heard by their family and Friends and not have hooping and hollering drowning out hearing their loved ones names being called.  Well in that there was a contingent in the upper balcony of the Lilly Peters Auditorium that, well the best I could figure is that they were on loan from a zoo somewhere, when their loved ones name was called they sounded like cowboys and indians going at each other in battle, so the next few names were not heard.  That is why there should not be any hooping and hollering during graduation.  If my family member's name would of been one of the few drowned out by their tribal chants, you would of been reading about me last weekend!!!  Lot's of police should not offend anyone, that should make you feel proud that the administration cares and wants you to have the best graduation ever!!

[mouse48]

What happened to your former Superintendent? Did she retire ot just leave. I heard everyone mostly liked her.

["SHOWKILLER"]

The point of my post was not about how one should act but the fact of the POLICE PRESENCE. This was NO place for them. Most people do know how to act in public. Our history of graduation time at Booneville has NEVER warranted such an action. Our school is turning into a communist ruled country, and our school board is allowing it. High school is hard enough for kids and taking away pep-rallys, prom, talent shows and then bringing in the police, well it's just not acceptable. No school spirit=no school, just a prison.

[MikeDiesel™]

Hey, I'm not completely against the hollaring and such.  But, please, please, please, please, people stop leaving before the thing is over!  As you stand up and walk down the bleachers, you are blocking the view of people that could very well be wanting to actually see one of the poor seniors whose last name is toward the end of the alphabetical order.  Stay in your seat.  It ain't gonna be that bad.  It's almost over anyways at the point.  Please, at least respect something.

[Super Scrapper]

I think I would trade off a principal, for one with  more principle.  SS

Go Scrappers

[wynneaholic©]

The point of my post was not about how one should act but the fact of the POLICE PRESENCE. This was NO place for them. Most people do know how to act in public. Our history of graduation time at Booneville has NEVER warranted such an action. Our school is turning into a communist ruled country, and our school board is allowing it. High school is hard enough for kids and taking away pep-rallys, prom, talent shows and then bringing in the police, well it's just not acceptable. No school spirit=no school, just a prison.

I bet Jonesboro Westside and Columbine would of loved to of had more police.

[alaskanstorm]

i don't think the two mentioned above happened on graduation day.  with that being said how many police officers are on duty at any elementary or highschool during regular operating hours.  the best way to fight terrorism is to not let it affect the way you live your life.  when he/she starts using the local police and national guard to get the resolution he/she wants, that is called martial law.  when we let this happen as a society we have given up our rights as american citizens.

[softballash25]

I know of 2 smaller schools that have  police officers on campus...........one of them all day...........and the other one the biggest part of the day...............they are both 3-A schools.......or at least for the rest of this year they are...........they will be 4-A next year.   The larger schools in Texarkana have police on campus.   I personally don't see a problem with them being on campus.

[Super Scrapper]

I know of 2 smaller schools that have police officers on campus...........one of them all day...........and the other one the biggest part of the day...............they are both 3-A schools.......or at least for the rest of this year they are...........they will be 4-A next year. The larger schools in Texarkana have police on campus. I personally don't see a problem with them being on campus.

The problem is NOT the police being on campus, it is them being there to control parents and friends that are attending a graduation that is not or never has been a problem.   I have always thought it was rude to interupt at these functions, but
to have people removed by force by police is going a bit far.  This is a celebration, we need to keep it that way.  SS

Go Scrappers

[Lions84]

Having been a Graduate of 4 schools; I wish that at 2 of the 4 the police had been there to control the yahoos who acted like it was a football game. They hollered , shouted sang and generally ruined it for the other 500+ graduates.   Maybe at Boonville the Super went too far, but I rather have that than what I have seen as an Graduate and a Teacher.

[Guetz]

My wife and I were reading the Booneville Democrat this morning and were aghast when we read about the events at graduation.  WAY, WAY, WAY overboard for this community and its people.  While strict control may be necessary in some venues, Booneville ain't one of them.  Never has been, never will be.  Steve Halter went too far!

I have been to many different levels of graduation and at nearly all high school and college graduations that I have attended the crowd is always enjoined in writing and via public address to withold their applause until the end.  And at every one, without exception, there has been applause and cheers by families as well as by students.  I have never seen it get out of hand nor to the point that it trampled on anyones enjoyment or celebration.

It seems to me that there are common sense alternatives that could have been used.  First, by all means, urge the crowd to hold their applause... it's expected anyway.... but let the crowd know that extended cheering and applause will only cause the graduation to last longer. 

Second, whoever is reading off the names should allow enough times between names that short bursts of applause will not step on the next name to be read, however should the applause continue longer, they should pause and perhaps give a little glare to the offending area of the crowd.  The point will be made and decorum will be mostly maintained. 

Third, to deal with those few that might try to go too far, have a few designated ushers or teachers who will approach major offenders and ask them to respect the others and the graduates by keeping still. 

Finally, unless previous incidents require it, a visible police presence is NOT needed or desireable... it only detracts.  If some form of security is required, it should be unobtrusive and only used if an actual emergency presents itself; a rowdy drunk, a medical situation... a true emergency, not cheering family and friends.

What occurred at Booneville's graduation (read the Booneville Democrat account here) was out of bounds.  I concur with the other Booneville posters that nothing like this has ever been necessary and that Steve Halter was out of line.  He essentially treated all in attendance, through his use of police and tone, as if they were either a bunch of unruly grade schoolers or outlaw gang members.  If I had been there, I think that I would have felt a bit insulted and suspect that I might have started clapping for every senior just as a matter of principle and for spite.

I would imagine that calls to the school board for a reprimand or censure would go unheeded.... afterall, they are the ones that hired Halter and would be expected to stand behind his actions.  But, perhaps if enough of us submit letters to the editor he might get it right next year.  We can only hope.

BTW, for those fearing the dousing of Bearcat spirit..... it ain't gonna happen!  Halter might try, but the inertia of tradition is much, much bigger than he is. 



GO CATS GO!!

["SHOWKILLER"]

Claps for Guetz!!!

This made FRONT PAGE NEWS here at Booneville. This is not a matter of being considerate but the imposing of one mans thoughts of a community that he doesn't even know. SHAME,SHAME on Steve Halter. Just because this may have been his procedure at other schools doesn't mean what's good for one is good for another. We are a small community that most would be proud to be a part of. I urge all Booneville posters to write a letter to the editor of the news paper if you feel like I do. Our pride and tradition at Booneville will not be smashed by any tyrant. Just think about this, if he will do this at graduation, what will he do at the next school function? Or will there even be one?

[Texarkana_Piggie]

arkansas high had graduation last night.  for the circumstances, the crowd acted very nicely. it was at the four states fair ground entertainment center.  which, if you've ever been to the fair, you know it's the rodeo arena.  as they were about to begin the processional the electricity went out.  we are having rolling blackouts in this area i guess due to high demand. anyway...they lifted the end doors to circulate the air and the draft started blowing down the drape that was behind the stage. (it fell on the school board which i thought was quite amusing!)  then the lights kept going on and off.  the finally did the processional, the invocation and the presentation of the flag.  as they were doing the pledge of allegiance, the lights went out again.  they skipped introducing the top ten, the salutatorians (there was a tie) speech, the validictorian's speech and the choir performance and went straight to handing out diplomas.  they were calling names out so fast, the kids were backed up across the stage to get their diploma.  the lights kept going on and off.  after they finished the diplomas, they finally introduced top ten (my neice was #10!)  and they played the alma mater.  as they were finishing that up the lights went out again but came right back on.  it was soooooo hot it's not even funny.  they used to do this at the football field, but always had weather problems.  so when the fair grounds built this multi purpose building they moved it out there.  it's usually okay, but this year was a disaster.  i really felt badly for the kids.  they didn't have a dignified graduation due to circumstances beyond anyone's control.  but i have to say through all of this, the crowd cheered their grads, but no one was out of hand.  there were 3 ladies a couple of rows behind us who io wanted to tell to shut up.  they ran their mouths all during the invocation and the pledge and were yelling to their friends and/or family a ways down the row.  they were shushed by a lady next to them so they cussed her.  some people (roll eyes and shake head)  but the crowd as a whole i thought handled everything pretty well.

[Guetz]

Showkiller:

The following is the letter to the editor that I sent to the Booneville Democrat.  The address is gparrish@boonevilledemocrat.com or fax to 479-675-5457 or mail to P.O. Box 208, Booneville, AR 72027-0208.

------------------------

Dear Editor,

My wife and I were shocked when we read about Mr. Halter's actions at graduation.  WAY, WAY, WAY overboard for this community and its people.  While strict control during graduation may be necessary in some venues, Booneville isn't one of them.  Never has been, never will be.  Mr. Halter, you went too far!

I have been to many graduations and at each the crowd has been enjoined in the written program and via the public address system to withhold their applause until the end.  And at every one, without exception, there has been applause and cheers recognizing individual graduates during the reading of names.  I have never seen it get out of hand nor to the point that it trampled on anyone's enjoyment or celebration.  And, such sporadic outburst of recognition were always treated as interruptions, not disruptions, no matter how boisterous.

It seems to me that there are common sense alternatives that could have been used.  First, by all means, urge the crowd to hold their applause - it's expected - and let the crowd know that interruptions will cause the graduation to last longer.  This can easily be done in a manner that is pleasant and respectful yet still gets the point across.

Second, the announcer reading off the names should allow enough times between names so that short bursts of applause will not drown out the next name to be read.  However, should the cheering continue too long, the announcer should pause and perhaps give a little glare to the offending area of the crowd, pointedly waiting until they are settled back down.  Again, the message about interruptions will be made while still maintaining decorum.

Third, to deal with those few that might try to go too far, have a few designated ushers or teachers, NOT uniformed law enforcement officials, who will approach major offenders, asking them to respect others and the graduates by keeping still.  The usher should stay in the area until he or she is certain the disruption won't continue.

Finally, unless previous CRIMINAL incidents require it, a visible police presence is NOT needed or desirable - it only detracts.  If some form of security is felt necessary, it should be unobtrusive and only used if an actual emergency presents itself; a rowdy drunk, a medical situation, a true emergency, not cheering family and friends.

What occurred at Booneville's graduation was out of bounds.  I concur with other Booneville residents who have commented on Mr. Halter's actions at graduation, that nothing like this has ever been necessary and that he was out of line.  Mr. Halter essentially treated all in attendance, through his tactics and use of police intervention, as if they were outlaw gang members, ruffians that needed to be controlled by force.  If I had been there, I think that I would have felt a bit insulted.  In all, it was definitely not the way to conduct a high school graduation, an event which should be memorable for reasons other than an over response to an outburst.  Frankly, I'm surprised that every senior wasn't jubilantly cheered after the expulsion of the offending individual.  They should have been.

As a side note, where were the parents of the minor that was expelled from the stadium?  More to the point, where was their control over him?

Mr. Halter, this is a good community, don't repress our great Bearcat spirit!  It is unrealistic and unreasonable to expect that there will be no applause or individual recognition during the presentation of diplomas.  Accept it, anticipate it, work with it.  Hopefully you can get it right next year.

For those that are going to send letters to the editor, they have to be signed with your full name, address and you have to provide a daytime phone number in case they need to contact you.

Click here for contact information for the Booneville Democrat.

[Super Scrapper]

Very good letter Guetz.  Keep the high school graduation in perspective.  I think you

and the others are doing the right thing in protesting this action by Mr. Halter.  SS

Go Scrappers

["SHOWKILLER"]

Thank You Guetz. Your words are the very point Mr. Halter needs to hear.

["SHOWKILLER"]

Dear Editor,

I was in attendance with my family at this years graduation. I have a daughter who was a SR. this year. I also attended all other school functions. Never before did I see what seemed to be the ENTIRE Booneville Police force at an event or function. Graduation was however the exception. This action by Mr. Steve Halter, our High School Principal, was and still is unwarranted. Our community is NOT violent NOR an unruly one. We are a God fearing, law abiding community. Having a Police presence at a school function in Booneville made me as well as others feel INSULTED. Just because this may have been his procedure at other schools he presided over doesn't mean it should work here. Mr. Halter has done a good job though in other areas such as discipline and test scores for our youth but turning a graduation ceremony into a prison setting is just plain WRONG!
I have also heard rumors that he is trying to do away with Prom, Mr/Miss BHS Pageant, Talent Shows and half of the school pep-rallies. These functions are part of our Pride and Tradition at Booneville High. Should we just be expected to roll over and let him do this to us without any cause? I think not. I love this community and I am very proud to be apart of it. I hope that my thoughts will be expressed to those who maybe able to influence him in some of his decisions. If not, what will this man do next?

                                                                  Sincerely concerned,

Here is my letter.
                                                                 
                                                                 
                                                                 
                                                                 

[Guetz]

Showkiller:

You need to get the letter over to Glenn at the paper.  He is putting it together today.  The typical deadline is Friday at noon although he can get things in up to Monday morning.  Letters to the editor, however, do not carry as much priority as stories or ads, he will drop them to the next week's edition if you don't get it to him today.

[Super Scrapper]

I think you folks have a "PROBLEM".   I would contact the Superintendent and the school board. 

This Police State action is fine if warranted, if not do not condone it.  Raise HELLO!   SS

Go Scrappers

[Guetz]

I talked with the president of the school board.  He skirted around naming it an issue, understandably.  He did say that applause for individual candidates was not a problem, it was the rude or disrespectful verbalizations.  We talked about an issue already discussed in this thread, how events such as this are not treated with the same respect by everyone like they used to be.  That there are kids AND parents that just don't know how to behave in formal public settings and these are the folks that create challenges for event coordinators as well as attendees.  I mentioned the idea of using ushers instead of uniformed police officers and he said they would consider that in the future.  Personally, I still maintain that the use of uniformed officers to remove some disrespectful kid was going overboard, decorum could have been maintained with a lower level response such as intervention by one of the administrators present but not involved in the graduation ceremony.

While I am all for an "academics first" high school, I also know that there is room in the schedule for spirit activities.  I certainly hope that Mr. Halter truly does not have the intention of attempting to reduce or eliminate these type of activities from the high school experience.  If this should begin to occur, I hope that some of the BHS students that post on here will keep the rest of us interested parties apprised of the situation.



GO CATS GO!!

[hoghigh]

Hum!  I was not present but have heard a lot about this.  I agree the police was a little over board - maybe.   But I do have to say that some people get out of hand at these events.  I have not heard about any of the other stuff that was said.  As far as what I have observed of Mr Halters actions, I have no problem with what he has done or is attempting to do.  For years, some of these kids have ran rampant and there was little if no discipline exacted on their behavior.  The school publishes a policy book every year to which the student and parent sign.  I have witnessed students violating this policy and the teacher or authority person ignore the action or the event.  Why?  I grew up in a time when the rules were rules and violation was met with strict enforcement.  Mr Halter is attempting to enforce the policies that you, as parents, signed and he is being called on these by many.  The ceremony was a little harsh.  But, he will learn like we must learn the policy and act when we see something wrong.  I, for one, will give Mr. Halter time.  I will tell him when I see or not agree with his actions.  He has been here 1 year and many are ready to carry him out on the rail.  If he offended you, call his office and ask for an oppointment to discuss this.  Also, ask for a teacher to be present or another school official.  I am sure they will listen.

[Guetz]

Hoghigh,

I will be glad to talk with Mr. Halter.  What concerns me is the police presence.  Typically at an event like this there might be one or two police officers there for the purpose of traffic control but arranging in advance to have several officers at the event sends an entirely different message.  Using an officer to remove the mouthy and disrespectful teenager was going too far.  There should have been "ushers," teachers or administrators not involved in the graduation ceremony who could have addressed this type of situation.  The result might have been the same, expulsion, but the message would have been different.

Booneville could always go with a "immediate family only" policy.  My niece just graduated from RHS along with hundreds of others.  Due to space limitations in Tucker Coliseum they used this policy.  I don't know if it makes a difference in individual behavior, but this large graduation was uneventful.  Having only immediate family present limits the number of folks that could cheer on an given graduate.

[Boingy]

The key words we're digressing about here are "curb your enthusiasm."  Certainly there are those among us who are inclined to obey the rules of being civil and courteous during a very important ceremony for our children who are passing through an important phase in their lives.  There are also those among us who are inclined to get a little more than civil and courteous during the very same celebration simply by yelling out a name or making noise.  Should those particular individuals be removed forcefully by a police presence?  I don't believe so unless those particular individuals are perpetrating a crime such as hitting other parents and family members or being drunk (or high) and disorderly.  I didn't attend the graduation in Booneville, although I live here.  I have no idea what the male teenager who was taken away by the police officer was actually doing nor what his drug or alcohol level might have been.  Maybe he should have been removed.  I simply don't know the full situation any more than the other spectators and graduates did at the time and neither do any of our FF fans.  Mr. Halter did go a little overboard with the police presence.  I'm not sure what his intention was. 

I'll tell you all a little story from a long time ago.  I was a bridesmaid in one of my college friend's wedding.  She was half Jewish by birth but married a good ol' Baptist boy.  Of course she had several Jewish friends and her family attend their marriage ceremony.  At the end of the ceremony, her brother yelled out  "Mazel Tav!"  The Baptists were aghast!  I laughed (and I was raised a Baptist minister's daughter).  That was simply the thing one said at the end of a Jewish wedding, even though it wasn't actually a Jewish wedding.  What harm was there in that?  What harm is there in yelling out praise to your child being graduated from a small town high school with every bit as much enthusiasm?  No foul, no harm.  It's a celebration!  Being enthusiastic about the accomplishments of your children and verbalizing it is not against any law that I know of other than Emily Post's edicts on etiquette.

Yes, it would have been better for the 2006 BHS graduating class to have had a more staid and dignified ceremony. The police presence wasn't necessary to the extent it ranged into. However, I'll bet none of the parents of high school kids on this board can honestly admit that they didn't at least clap their hands when their child walked up and received their diploma before the next kid walked up and got his or hers.   

["SHOWKILLER"]

However, I'll bet none of the parents of high school kids on this board can honestly admit that they didn't at least clap their hands when their child walked up and received their diploma before the next kid walked up and got his or hers.   

I did clap for my daughter as well as for others I recognized for knowing them. The point I made was that I felt insulted by Halter telling me how I should act. 2006 graduation was NOT my first rodeo.

[Boingy]

I don't disagree with you, Showkiller.  Halter did go a bit overboard according to all reports I've heard.   Since I wasn't there, I can't really judge.  Still, the occasion is actually one of celebration.  It does no harm for some to get more enthusiastic than others as long as nobody is injured.   

[donkeyfan]

So, my question, what was the difference? Why did that crowd reletively behave themselves as opposed to Booneville or any other school around here? Is it the size (big opposed to small), location (church opposed to gym/auditorium) or was it the town (suburban, Dallas area opposed to rural Arkansas)? I think it could be a combination of all.

The crowd DID behave themselves.  One kid got booted.  In all the graduations in all these here United States, I would venture to guess that there were NO RIOTS at the ceremonies.  Not at Booneville or any where else.  The difference is the idiot in charge of the whole mess who expects the worst from people instead the best.  It all goes back to what you do in everyday life.  If everyday you treat people with respect and have high expectations, you pretty much get what you ask for.  If you wait till graduation day and drop the hammer, that's just asking for trouble and a loss of support from the very parents you need to back you up.   See how much support he gets from parents next year. 

[Guetz]

Donkeyfan,

Excellent point!  I was trying to pin down exactly what it is that I felt was wrong and couldn't quite get it.  But you did, you hit the nail right on the head.  "If everyday you treat people with respect and have high expectations, you pretty much get what you ask for."  That is it!!!  In having a visible police presence, the message was sent that the worst was expected and that expectation was fulfilled on a small basis.  I hope that the juvenile outburst at this year's graduation does not become the justification for even more draconian measures next year or at other events.  It is possible to create through paranoia just exactly the circumstances that one is trying to avoid.



GO CATS GO!!!

[Super Scrapper]

Donkeyfan,

Excellent point! I was trying to pin down exactly what it is that I felt was wrong and couldn't quite get it. But you did, you hit the nail right on the head. "If everyday you treat people with respect and have high expectations, you pretty much get what you ask for." That is it!!! In having a visible police presence, the message was sent that the worst was expected and that expectation was fulfilled on a small basis. I hope that the juvenile outburst at this year's graduation does not become the justification for even more draconian measures next year or at other events. It is possible to create through paranoia just exactly the circumstances that one is trying to avoid.



GO CATS GO!!!

Amen and Amen  SS

Go Scrappers

[donkeyfan]

Sorry I said IDIOT.  I was not going to use that word any more.  I just can't help myself sometimes.  I want my kids to be respectful to the teachers and admin. of the school system.  I'm sure that's what the school system expects from all parents.  I just get chapped when I see something like that.  sheesh.........

[Super Scrapper]

Your graduation may have been more restrictive than you liked but you did get to see it and enjoy it.  In Nashville my friends tell me it was the worst ceremony they have ever attended .  People talking, clapping and moving around during the entire program and then leaving early that disrupted it even further.  There has to be a better way than what happened in Booneville and the travesty in Nashville.  SS

Go Scrappers

[cheap seats]

So, my question, what was the difference? Why did that crowd reletively behave themselves as opposed to Booneville or any other school around here? Is it the size (big opposed to small), location (church opposed to gym/auditorium) or was it the town (suburban, Dallas area opposed to rural Arkansas)? I think it could be a combination of all.

I think G-Train summed it up perfectly.

1.  You want graduation to be solemn, get it off the football fields.  People can't seperate the two.  I've had many people ask why the concessions weren't open.

2.  Don't think it is big versus small, but more rural vs suburban.  I have been a part of and attended many graduations and have noticed the more rural or isolated a town the worse.  Because everyone knows each other?  Becuase the suburbs are generally made up of more educated professionals who have attended more dignified or cultural events in their lifetime?  I don't know, but I have noticed a trend towards this in my experience.

["SHOWKILLER"]

2.  Don't think it is big versus small, but more rural vs suburban.  I have been a part of and attended many graduations and have noticed the more rural or isolated a town the worse.  Because everyone knows each other?  Becuase the suburbs are generally made up of more educated professionals who have attended more dignified or cultural events in their lifetime?  I don't know, but I have noticed a trend towards this in my experience.

So, we're just a bunch of REDNECKS!!!

[cheap seats]

So, we're just a bunch of REDNECKS!!!

You said it, not me.   I always use qualifying words like "more" and "usually" and never "all."  You can't look around you town and not see a difference between there and say Cordova, West Little Rock, or Highland Park (Dallas).

["SHOWKILLER"]

TRUE

[Guetz]

1.  You want graduation to be solemn, get it off the football fields.  People can't separate the two.  I've had many people ask why the concessions weren't open.

2.  Don't think it is big versus small, but more rural vs suburban.  I have been a part of and attended many graduations and have noticed the more rural or isolated a town the worse.  Because everyone knows each other?  Because the suburbs are generally made up of more educated professionals who have attended more dignified or cultural events in their lifetime?  I don't know, but I have noticed a trend towards this in my experience.

Good points, Cheap Seats. 

It would be nice, in our pleasant rural town, if we could get graduation off of the football field.  There probably is a venue effect upon those in attendance.  The unfortunate truth, however, is that we can't.  It is the only place in our town as well as most small rural towns where an event the size of graduation can be held.  Even local churches are not big enough. 

It is not just small towns that have a space problem.  Russellville's graduation was held in the 3,500 seat Tucker Coliseum and they had to limit attendance to immediate families only and even with the restriction many people still had to remain standing during the ceremony for lack of seating.  There is not a larger venue in Russellville short of going to one of the two football stadia.

[tongue-in-cheek] I suppose that graduations in rural towns could be removed from the football stadium and instead take place in a local cow pasture.  Folks could bring their own chairs.  You would probably see a cooler or two.  Probably wouldn't increase the formality of the event but the fun factor would be increased!   [/tongue-in-cheek]