By Terry Duty

One of the privileges of being a high school principal is watching seniors celebrate their academic accomplishments at commencement ceremonies. It is a highlight for me and every adult associated with our school to witness the joy and sense of accomplishment that our seniors experience throughout graduation ceremonies.

So it came as quite a surprise when I read a guest column in the Dec. 16 issue of the Maple Valley Reporter that described “a controversial debate among the students of Tahoma High School.”

What could be so controversial? Putting new limits on the wearing of honor cords during graduation ceremonies.

The editorial writer, who is a senior at Tahoma High School, is passionate about preserving the privilege of wearing cords for certain achievements, such as being a member of the National Honor Society. I applaud that passion. Unfortunately, the writer let her feelings get in the way of checking facts. The writer was swayed by unfounded rumors that the school board might decide to prohibit club cords from being worn by graduating seniors at commencement. This is untrue.

If the writer had asked me or other members of our administrative team she would have learned that we are going to extend the privilege of wearing graduation cords to any club that has a national affiliation, as long as the club members meet the academic standards set by the club to earn the privilege of wearing graduation cords. Instead of limiting students from obtaining and wearing cords, we are seeking ways to expand the privilege to those who have earned it.

Tahoma High School is large, with more than 1,600 students on campus. Our teachers and support staff make it a priority to listen and respond to students because we understand how easily rumors can start and spread in the absence of reliable, factual information. I believe this particular issue could have been easily clarified through a conversation or two.

I hope all of our seniors now can look forward to commencement ceremonies without having to worry about whether they will have an opportunity to wear honor cords. Instead, I encourage them to apply their energy and focus toward their studies to ensure that they can earn those honors. Then it will be my honor to share their sense of joy and achievement on that special evening in June.

Terry Duty is the principal at Tahoma High School.