<p><a href=“http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_510692.html[/url]”>http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_510692.html</a></p>
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<p>The students will be allowed to obtain their diploma by completing eight hours of public service work, answering phones, sorting books or doing other chores for the district, of course. But it seems rather extreme to deny a student a diploma simply because “enthusiastic friends or family members cheered for them during commencement.” </p>
<p>One of the students also brings up a good point at the end:</p>
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<p>And even though the ceremony is about “dignity” and “honor,” surely it’s also a celebration of sorts? I’m only a junior, but I would my friends and family to cheer me on when I receive my diploma. I mean, it’s the end of high school; it’s graduation! As the end of four long years (or twelve, counting middle and elementary school), I feel like it warrants some noise.</p>