To the editor: I recently attended the Barrington High School graduation ceremony, which proved to be an outstanding event, filled with emotional tributes to Mr. Gray and retiring teachers, excellent speeches, and the graduation of exuberant students. The event was only marred by contemplating the seniors who were not allowed to participate.

Every graduating class has a handful of students who, for a variety of reasons, have not completed all of the requirements for graduation by the time of the graduation ceremony. This year’s group included a girl who was sick throughout her senior year, attending classes when she could and trying to get caught up with her work. She will need the summer to complete everything. She was not allowed to “walk” with her class at graduation, in spite of a petition that her fellow students had circulated to try to allow her participation.

Another student did not pass a final exam during the week before graduation, causing him to fail the course. He will be retaking the course over the summer to finish up his requirements. He also could not “walk.”

The policy that prevents any senior from participating in the graduation ceremony should be changed. Many high schools and universities allow students to participate in the ceremony, handing them a blank diploma, when there is the understanding that the incomplete work will be completed in a timely fashion. There are so few momentous occasions during one’s lifetime — bar/bat mitzvah or confirmation, high school and college graduations, wedding ceremony — that missing one can be heartbreaking (and a huge disappointment for the entire family.)

A diploma can be awarded when the final requirements are achieved. Letting a child participate in the ceremony a bit prematurely in no way diminishes the achievements of the other students who completed their work on time. It only demonstrates some compassion, which the other graduating seniors certainly would understand and agree with. This policy needs to be reexamined and changed.

Cindy Kaplan

Barrington