A high school east of Cleveland is saying “no” to two teens who want to wear their military uniforms on stage at their high school graduation.

Will McDonnell, an active duty marine, and Tony Workman, an Army National Guardsman, are graduating from Chardon High School in Geauga County.

McDonnell took extra classes and met his graduation requirements last fall so he could attend a 13-week Marine Boot Camp in February. Workman went through the Army’s 10-week basic training last summer.

McDonnell tells Newsradio WTAM 1100 he was stunned when his dad told him the news. He says he and Workman had previously been told they would
be allowed to wear their uniforms.

McDonnell says Principal Doug Delong did listen to their concerns, but says he doesn’t want to open the door for similar requests from members of other organizations. The two will be allowed to lead in the Honor Guard in their uniforms.

But Delong says if they don’t wear the robe and cap for the ceremony, they can’t walk on stage with the other students on Saturday. McDonnell tells our Bill Wills they will wear their uniforms, but will simply stand at their seats when their names are called.

The graduation is set for tomorrow, the 31st. Here’s who you can contact:

Principal Delong can be emailed at ch_delong@lgca.org

(440)285-4052

Fax: (440)285-7229

Update: Mike forwards this email.

From: Doug Delong
Date: May 30, 2008 1:09:03 PM EDT
To: ‘Mike Williams - BBR’
Subject: RE: Uniforms

Just so you know, both boys are permitted to wear their uniforms at the
beginning of the ceremony. They will be carrying the colors and marching
with members of the VFW, standing at the front of the stage for the National
Anthem and the Pledge. Then I will be publicly recognizing them for their
accomplishment. After that, I asked them to sit with their classmates, put
on their cap and gown for the remainder of the ceremony. This was discussed
with the one family that made the request three weeks ago.

Thanks

Mr. DeLong

—–Original Message—–
From: Mike Williams - BBR [mailto:mike@brassballsradio.com]
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 9:20 AM
To: ch_delong@lgca.org
Subject: Uniforms

Let the students wear their uniforms. They are willing to give their
lives for your freedom.

It’s the least you can do.

You know what I’m talking about.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 29th, 2008 at 11:08 pm and is filed under Military. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.