Can I graduate?

I didn't attend my high school graduation. I didn't walk at my college graduation. That sort of thing just never interested me. But I know it's an important rite of passage for a lot of people. That's why I was appalled by this story Hubie pointed me to.

Pregnant student banned from graduation walks stage anyway

Alysha Cosby waited four years to hear her name called at her high school graduation.

When it wasn't, she took matters into her own hands.

After the last graduate was asked to come forward to receive his degree at St. Jude Educational Institute's commencement Tuesday night, Cosby announced her own name and walked across the stage. ...

Her decision to do so prompted cheers and applause from many of her fellow seniors and dozens of people in the church. Some, however, murmured that her act was in poor taste and that it took away from the ceremony.

Took away from the ceremony? Give me a break! What about taking away from her ceremony?

Cosby didn't ask for the spotlight. All she wanted was equal treatment. If they'd given her that, no one ever would have noticed her. But since they weren't willing to grant her equality, she decided to aim for something a bit higher. Good for her!

Besides, graduations are even more boring than high school itself. Cosby did those people a favor by throwing a wrench into the machine.