As the parent of a 1982 graduate of Western High School (who was accepted at a number of four year institutions and went on to graduate from Vassar College) I was shocked to learn that those who completed requirements needed to receive a high school diploma would be kept from participating in the graduation ceremony ("Walking at Western commencement" May 18). This seems unfair, although Western has had a reputation for preparing graduates for college.
As a public school can Western make such rules? I thought that the Western diploma was the reward for achievement beyond Department of Education requirements. If acceptance at a four year college is required to participate in the graduation ceremony, that should be made clear to all applicants. Yearly reminders should go to students and parents so that those who, for whatever reason, will not immediately go on to a four year school can transfer to another high school or accept the fact that they will not walk across the stage.
Alma Thompson Bell, Baltimore