Graduates' attire showed a definite lack of respect

My husband, a retiring teacher of Sandpoint High School, and I attended the 2005 SHS graduation ceremonies and I have a question to ask some of those graduates. Where is your respect for tradition or yourself?

We witnessed graduates wearing jeans, sandals, shorts, tee shirts, leis, and even a hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants with the hood outside of the gown! Two students accepted diplomas in bare feet as well as several "look at me" displays as they went up the ramp.

At the same time, at Lake City High School in Coeur d'Alene, every male student was required to have slacks, dress shoes and a collared shirt and/or a tie in order to march and were removed from the line if this dress code was not met. Girls were expected to wear dresses and no jeans. No antics were allowed.

Is the culture that different 45 miles south? Is something wrong with this picture? As a parent, do you not care how your child represents themselves and where is the respect? I am disappointed with all involved parties, kids, parent and administration.

Is it time for a change, or do we just not care?

MICHELLE MARKER

Kootenai