Diploma Was Rejected At Graduation

I am posting this today because I feel the need to express my complete and total displeasure of the handling of Graduation Ceremonies for Fuquay-Varina High School of Wake County, North Carolina. Inside the venue was ridiculously dark. You could barely see the graduates as they stood there. It was not conducive to photography and many parents were limited to low-light video clips. We all read that we were not to cheer for any particular student but had to hold our applause until all graduates had been called to the stage to receive their empty diploma books. Then we have Principal Edward McFarland. Not only were students and parents warned at rehearsal and indeed threatened, that if one child showed any enthusiasm in any way, they would be pulled from the line of graduates by waiting security officers at the stage. If their parents or family cheered, the student would be pulled out of line. It was written in the senior hand book, they were drilled on it, and McFarland felt the need to get on the stage to reiterate yet again how we were not to show any emotion as the students' names were called. Really, talk about beating a dead horse. We get it; we get it...stay silent and morose. He added a pall to the ceremony that can only be described as funerary. This boy had to work harder this year and earn more credits, even studying in computer courses outside of the school day. He worked very, very hard for this diploma. His name was called. He was thrilled and excited and his enthusiasm showed. He walked up, shook McFarland's hand, received his book and went back to his seat After all names were called, no one applauded. We were all too intimidated to actually cheer. McFarland came up to the microphone again he actually had to ask us for the applause! There was a polite smattering but nowhere near the thunderous ovations that these teenage students deserved. After the ceremony the students had to get onto a line to get their actual diplomas to insert into their books. Imagine the shock and horror that he felt as he received an ominous letter that said he would NOT be getting one! The entire family was astounded. There was no reason academically or behaviorally for this to happen. It completely killed the entire mood outside and we all left depressed and dejected. I was fuming angry! The next day, I went to see Principal McFarland to get his diploma. He was self righteous and gave a smug little speech about graduation and dignity and then had the audacity to say, "He didn't get his diploma becausehe SKIPPED across the stage" I was shocked and said , "No he didn't!!" That was ridiculous. He did no such thing. Enthusiasm? Yes. Skipping? No. I told Principal McFarland that I had it on video from 3 different camera angles and he absolutely did NOT skip across the stage!! Principal McFarland reiterated, "Yes, he did. I did not actually see him do it, nor have I reviewed the tape, but it was reported back to me that he did." Excuse me, but my son walked DIRECTLY to Principal McFarland and SHOOK HIS HAND. Principal McFarland did not see him do it because, it never happened. Then McFarland mentioned that out of over 400 students, only 3 children had to get their diplomas withheld!! ONLY 3!! There were well over 30 other families that cheered and could have prevented their child from getting his diploma, and yet MY SON was chosen as one who should not receive his diploma on time?? It was outlandish!!

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• diploma
• rejected.
• principal
• fuquay
• varina
• high
• school

[cathleenorourke1970]

Just a comment to say not one single member of the Wake County, NC school board ever contacted me about my issue. I individually emailed 13 members and not one single person ever responded.

My second son graduated this year from another school. It was a fun and fantastic celebration with cheering, silly string and confetti! Nothing but smiles and a lovely millitary ceremony. It's a shame, Wake County could learn a thing or two from Culpeper County, VA

[cfresh92]

i dont get it i cant see where he is being pulled out

[swtater123]

I'm really sorry to hear that happened. I went to fuquay too class of '03. Our senior year we got the same warnings. We were told that a student who graduated several years before us got on his hands and knees and barked like a dog. Years later he still had not received a diploma. That was their excuse for the strict rules, not that I agree with them. I hope they are not that severe in this case. He certainly does not deserve that. Sadly I'm not surprised that this would happen at fuquay high.

[MichaelJNielsen]

Mam, I understand your being upset, But I've seen graduations I've been to get dragged out to a lengthy two hour event. Very similar to the "Goal line dance" some calibrations snowball out of control ruining the happiness of the event. Again, if you have to wait till the last Grad, because of alphabetical arrangement, your name in Zimmerman in a class of 1,000 plus students, what would be your response.? I hope your son does well in his career. All My Best to you & your family.

[LALAKERS8]

this is some bullshit

[XkimimaruX]

i was a graduate from that class. i believe the no cheering thing was a load of bull

[msuspar104ever]

You do realize that he cannot do this. If your son has earned the credits to graduate, by law, he is entitled to it. You have a case if he cannot get a diploma with the school name on it. If your son had not fullfilled the credits needed, then that's a different story.

Find a lawyer. This is one of the few times it might be worth it for the greater good.