To the editor: 

When I read in the Democrat the listing of graduation ceremonies scheduled for Sullivan County school districts, at first, I was appalled, then very much saddened to discover that Monticello would hold their event on Sunday, June 28, at 10:00 a.m.!

I have noticed a growing trend of holding sports and other such events, including “practices,” and music and drama rehearsals, etc., on weekends, including Sundays.

Children are basically told they need to be there in order to participate. But, if they do not show up, I like to hope they are not dropped from the program or the team...and yet, for this very important, once in a lifetime event toward which they have been working for twelve years, they must choose between attending graduation or being able to attend worship services, (for those who generally practice their religion on Sundays!!)

Our Founding Fathers saw fit to show gratitude to a higher power for the opportunity to live in a nation that allows freedom of worship (did not the Pilgrims come here to escape from religious persecution ?). We pledge allegiance to “one nation under God.” Yet, it seems that fewer and fewer people pay attention to any of that anymore! They disregard anything religious as not being important or interfering with their leisure time.

We keep hearing about how we are teaching our youngsters that we need to respect the rights and feelings of all peoples, from whatever cultural background and traditions, they originate. So, how is it nobody objected to the Monticello Board (or whoever decides on schedules and agendas) choosing not only a Sunday, but the very hour when, traditionally, most of our local churches are in the midst of conducting services, to force their students to choose between practicing their religious freedom, and attending their once-in-a-lifetime  graduation ceremony?

I do not intend this to come across as an attack on the Monticello District...there might be some valid reason why this choice of day was necessary...?  But I do not understand the rationale for the hour that was chosen. Could it not have been later in the day?

In any case, I respect and appreciate all the teachers and graduates who have worked so hard and been so dedicated for these past twelve (13?) years and congratulate each of them on their accomplishments.

Marilyn Vasko Laufer

Liberty