Imagine this, you bust your ass for your entire academic life, you get to your high school graduation, you’re chosen as valedictorian, and then you’re denied your diploma. All because you said the word “hell” in your graduation speech. Pretty messed up, right?
An Oklahoma teen, Kaitlin Nootbaar, is currently facing that exact scenario. Back in May, while delivering her valedictorian speech, she was explaining how people had been asking her what she wanted to do with her life after graduation, to which she replied, “How the hell do I know? I’ve changed my mind so many times.” Now, the written script that she turned into the school had said “heck”, but she used the word “hell” in the moment. Kaitlin’s father said the valedictorian received laughter and applause from the crowd, but when she went to collect her diploma this past week, she was told she wouldn’t receive it until she wrote an apology for using the word.
Kaitlin is refusing to write an apology, stating that she rightfully earned the diploma through coursework, state exams, and extracurricular activities. Her father says that she has worked hard to stay in the top of her class, receiving straight A’s all throughout high school, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Not only she Kaitlin earn the title of valedictorian, she also received a full scholarship to college.
I’m with Kaitlin on this one, I wouldn’t offer an apology. After all, it’s not like she told the school to go to hell or anything, though I wouldn’t blame her if she did that now.
Andrea
08/20/2012
I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to withold her diploma. pretty sure, but not totally sure because it is Oklahoma after all. when they can deny a rightfully earned diploma because they didn’t like the valedictorian’s speech, these schools just have too much power.
J
08/20/2012
And they wonder why more kids are getting their GEDs.
Lance
08/20/2012
ACLU lawyers LOOOOOOOOOVE taking on school boards and superintendents. If one hasn;t contacted her yet, be patient. They will.
They can’t withhold her diploma if it’s a public school. In fact, many kids skip their high school ceremonies and still receive them.
This is one petty bureaucrat in a small town trying to show how big their you know what is. Good for the girl. This incident alone shows she’s got it takes to be a success.
Sarah
08/20/2012
Given the lack of like buttons in blog comments, I’m just going to start telling people that I like their comments.
So, I like your comment!
J
08/20/2012
I’m with Sarah on this one. “Like”
Kristi
08/20/2012
Good for her!! What the hell is that school thinking?
J
08/20/2012
Watch your mouth, little lady, you won’t receive your diploma if you keep talking that way!
brahm (alfred lives here)
08/20/2012
They cannot legally withhold her diploma for that… good for her and her dad! That school blows.
J
08/20/2012
I bet they’ll be handing over the diploma soon!
Lex
08/20/2012
Always love a girl who, when someone tries to hold her back, says, “watch me”.
J
08/20/2012
Girl power!!