Don't ban water ballooners from graduation
From left, seniors Matthew Tacktill, Ryan and Nick Starkman, Taylor DeStefani and Melissa Erul of East Rockaway High School, stand across from their school after learning that school officials say they cannot march in their graduation because of their participation in a water-balloon fight that was off campus and after school. (May 27, 2011) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
The kids who had a water ballon fight across the street from the East Rockaway High School should not be banned from graduation or the prom ["For balloon battlers, no means no," News, June 23]. This is something they worked hard for and can never do over in their life.
What the school should do is give them a job helping the custodians set up for graduation or work with grounds crews over the summer to work off the offense. They have to learn that if you break a rule, there are consequences, but banning them from graduation is not the answer.
Barbara Schilling, Oceanside
Sayville homicide investigation ... Salvadorans face end of protective status ... Newsday photographers remember 9/11
