BOE president’s commencement speech was ‘appalling’

Published Jul 3, 2012 at 1:55 pm (Updated Jul 3, 2012)

As a parent of a M-W 2012 graduate I found the commencement speech of Board of Education President Dr. Michael J. DeGeronimo appalling. To make light of manic depression and bipolar disorder in his opening statement and referring to Principal David Bernsley emulating this disorder was nothing but jaw dropping.

There was nothing funny about this statement. These students have suffered through two suicides, one student who should have been among them.

Commencement speeches should be short and positive, not negative and embarrassing. I as a parent was embarrassed by �my generation�s� suggestions on how to go forth and live a positive life.

I believe Dr. DiGeronimo owes the class of 2012 an apology for overshadowing a beautiful moment with negative comments.

I hope next year at my fourth child�s graduation from M-W I can come away with a more uplifting feeling!

Deirdre McCormack
Highland Mills