THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 10, 1994 TAG: 9406090065
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LISE OLSEN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940610 LENGTH: Medium
So, as valedictorian, should Darrell still have the right to speak for the Class of 1994 at graduation, as tradition dictates? Or should he remain silent?
{REST} It appears that Darrell will not be allowed to speak, according to a decision this week by principal Donald T. Alvey. When Darrell was indicted on May 17, the principal defended the valedictorian's right to speak. But he said he switched his stand after talking with parents and students.
``My prayer is that this decision is in the best interests of the school and that the graduation ceremony will be conducted with the proper atmosphere of respect,'' the principal wrote in a fax explaining his change of heart.
The controversy may still prompt a protest at next Friday's graduation. Students on both sides have talked about demonstrating their views. Felecia Thomas, 18, a senior, said critics had planned to boo if Darrell spoke; supporters planned to mount a petition drive to defend his right to speak.
For Felecia, the controversy casts a shadow on graduation: ``It's going to be bad; I don't see a possible way out.''
Felecia, a student council member, argued that Darrell should not speak at graduation - an event when students are thinking about their future, and his future seems in doubt. But she doesn't want anyone to take his place.
``He's not a good example. But I feel if they don't allow him to speak, they shouldn't allow anyone else to speak,'' she said.
The principal has proposed having another honor graduate speak, but he didn't say whom on Tuesday. He acknowledged his decision would not please everyone.
In interviews over the last two weeks, several senior class leaders said they believe Darrell should speak as valedictorian because he's worked hard academically and has not been convicted of any charges.
``I feel he has just as much right to speak because no one knows what the future holds for anyone,'' said Danielle Morgan, 17, Smithfield's salutatorian. ``Right now, he's only been charged and indicted. He hasn't been convicted.''
Danielle, ranked No. 2 in the class behind Darrell, said she would not replace him as speaker, if asked. Danielle already is slated to welcome graduates; Darrell was supposed to give the farewell speech.
Antoine Johnson, 17, a senior who is editor of the school newspaper, also supports Darrell's right to address the class: ``If we condemn him and do not allow him to speak, and if he's found innocent, how would everyone feel?''
But Kristie White, another member of the school newspaper staff, said she was glad that Smithfield High will be spared the ``embarrassment'' of having someone accused of a crime giving a farewell to the class.
For her, Darrell was no longer qualified to serve as a role model or talk about the future. ``I couldn't understand what he would actually speak to us (about),'' said Kristie, 17, also a senior.
Even if the valedictorian is silent, those in the audience at graduation will probably continue to ponder his future: a person with great grades whose plans to attend college next fall are shadowed by charges that he broke into a house while carrying a gun.
Already, he seems to be facing a jury of his peers. by CNB