In response to Linda Pelletier’s letter (June 9) regarding the ELHS graduation: The intention of the students’ speeches was not to offend, hurt or “disgust” anybody, but rather to make a simple point – some aspects of life are analogous to bodily functions.

I apologize to anyone who may have disliked the speeches; that is any individual’s right. I am not, however, in any way apologetic for the content or presentation of the speeches. Using politically correct terminology, combined with historical and scientific support, the five honor parts transformed an otherwise touchy subject into an intellectually stimulating commentary on life. They should be commended for that, not chided. No one doubted that this would be a unique graduation theme. It was, nevertheless, handled quite appropriately.

I agree with Ms. Pelletier’s letter that speeches in which nobody can relate to can be boring. That is precisely why a theme that everyone (not just students) could relate to was chosen. The messages of the speeches were pertinent to graduation and ranged from not sweating the small stuff, to living life like we laugh, to being oneself by not being afraid of what society makes of our actions.

As a group, we also wanted to confront the way that society shapes our behavior and actions. Too often, things are censored by society that ought to be expressed freely. We aimed to encourage our graduates to feel comfortable in expressing themselves as they move forward in life. Unfortunately, our message went unheard by some.

Adam Platz, valedictorian,

EL Class of 2004, Auburn

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