Published: May 31, 2008 11:47 pm         

Graduates’ families cry foul

Kokomo-Center Schools administration will meet Monday to discuss concerns with canceled ceremony

Many parents and grandparents of Kokomo High School students in the Class of 2008 were left upset in the wake of Friday’s graduation cancellation and subsequent announcement that the ceremony would not be rescheduled.

School officials cut the ceremony in Memorial Gym short Friday evening after a tornado warning was issued for Howard County.

After halting the festivities and evacuating the gym to the basement of Central Middle School, school officials said the ceremony would not be rescheduled. Students were told they could pick up their diplomas at the school on Monday and Tuesday.

That news didn’t sit well with parents, and school officials have taken note.

Superintendent Thomas Little said the school administration will meet Monday morning to discuss the issue.

“We will meet Monday morning to develop a plan to address the concerns of the parents regarding the graduation of their children,” he said Saturday evening.

School board president Ted Schuck said though he’s not sure what form it will take, the corporation will find a way to honor the students for their accomplishments.

“We do feel responsible and in no way did we mean to slight anybody. The confusion came when trying to look out for the safety of the children and the large number of people. They were focused on getting them to safety.”

Many families are calling for the ceremony to be rescheduled, including Sheila Slatter, whose granddaughter is a member of the 2008 graduating class.

“I can understand the school can’t help the bad weather, but to cancel the ceremony is not acceptable,” Slatter said Saturday.

“My granddaughter waited 12 years for her special day that she worked so hard for and was so proud of and all she and her family gets is wet clothes and tears. I think the school should reschedule the graduation, not cancel it. Show us how proud you are of these students. Give them this day. They deserve it.”

Mike Fletcher, Tribune reporter, contributed to this report.

     

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