I just have to express my outrage and hopefully make other parents aware of what is going on in Lisbon.

The high school has adopted a new guideline for graduation. Rather than designate the top 10 students, the school is going with the cum laude designations. I was told that this is to give more students recognition rather than just the top 10.

The problem with that is that students who earn the cum laude awards get to vote on who they want to give graduation speeches. The young lady who has worked very hard for four years and is the valedictorian of her class wasn’t voted to give a speech. (By the way, she is the only one who earned the magna cum laude designation).

I thought that at least the top 10 was something that was earned, but now it has turned into yet another popularity contest. That’s a shame. And no, that student is no relation to me.

If school officials were going to start a new program like that, it should have started with the incoming freshmen and not decided on during students’ senior year.

I hope some parents speak up about the situation before it’s too late.

Graduation is on June 3. I’m not saying take a speech away from the other students at this point, but allow a few extra minutes so she can give a speech that is rightfully hers to make.

Laura Campbell, Lisbon

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