Congratulations to all 2009 graduates who successfully completed all the Federal Way School District requirements and earned their high school diplomas.

As they walked across the stage at graduation, they should have been proud of their achievements. But not all students should be proud. Why? Because the Federal Way School District made the decision last year to let everyone walk with their class, regardless if they have earned enough credits to be a senior.

When did the graduation ceremony become a right and not a privilege? The district appears to be rewarding students who have not met the necessary graduation requirements. How can parents allow their students to walk when it isn’t earned, and what kind of message are the parents sending to the students? That a “photo-op” is more important then earning a diploma? With this district policy in place, graduation is becoming more of a costume party than a graduation ceremony.

The Federal Way School District administration should revisit their graduation walking policy for next year.

Patrick Wilson, Federal Way