PFC Will McDonnell talks with Bill Wills
 Dad Greg McDonnell talks with Bill Wills
 Guardsman Tony Workman with Bob Frantz

(Chardon) - A high school east of Cleveland is saying “no” to two teens who want to wear their military uniforms on stage at their high school graduation.

Will McDonnell, an active duty marine, and Tony Workman, an Army National Guardsman, are graduating from Chardon High School in Geauga County.

McDonnell took extra classes and met his graduation requirements last fall so he could attend a 13-week Marine Boot Camp in February.  Workman went through the Army's 10-week basic training last summer. 

McDonnell tells Newsradio WTAM 1100 he was stunned when his dad told him the news. He says he and Workman had previously been told they would be allowed to wear their uniforms.

McDonnell says Principal Doug Delong did listen to their concerns, but says he doesn't want to open the door for similar requests from members of other organizations. The two will be allowed to lead in the Honor Guard in their uniforms.

But Delong says if they don't wear the robe and cap for the ceremony, they can't walk on stage with the other students on Saturday.  McDonnell tells our Bill Wills they will wear their uniforms, but will simply stand at their seats when their names are called.

The Chardon Schools issued the following release:

The Chardon Schools have recently been the subject of news stories for upholding the High School’s tradition of donning a cap and gown to receive a high school diploma. Two students who have recently completed military boot camp have challenged this decision.

When this issue was first brought to our attention we developed a compromise that would allow these two young men to be honored as members of our nation’s military and as graduating seniors of the Chardon High School class of 2008.

The plan was that the two graduating seniors would join the official Color Guard in their full military uniform and lead the graduation processional into the ceremony. After the salute to our Nation’s flag they would be introduced and recognized for their military accomplishments. They would then join their fellow classmates in cap and gown to be honored for their educational achievements.

This would allow these two individuals to be honored for their separate achievements, while at the same time providing for the traditional observation of wearing a cap and gown to receive a diploma.

This practice has long been a show of respect to fellow classmates, teachers, parents, and the community that has provided them with a public education.

It is unfortunate that this compromise has been viewed by some as being unpatriotic. This was not the intent.

We believe that wearing your school’s cap and gown to receive your diploma is a show of respect to your school, fellow classmates, and for the public education you have been privileged to receive.

(Copyright 2008 by Clear Channel and the Associated Press. All rights reserved)