I just received this email from Michigan Peaceworks and thought I’d pass it along to share with others…
Alternative Graduation Celebration
for three suspended Howell HS seniors:
Saturday June 11th
6:00 pm
Page Athletic Field
Howell City Park, 415 N. Barnard Street.
Howell, MI
Background: Three Howell high school seniors, Derrick Weber, Shayna Kamilar, and Vinnie Mascola, were recently suspended for protesting anti-gay graffiti.
One of their friends, who is gay, played the lead in the school play, “Pippin.” The announcement for the play was painted on the school rock, but was spraypainted over with the words “God hates Fags.”
Upon seeing the hate message, Derrick, Shayna, and Vinnie spray-painted the word “Loves” over “hates.” Then they proceeded to spraypaint “Love” on the school’s sidewalks and driveway.
The next day, the three turned themselves in and offer to pay for the clean up of their graffiti. Instead the school administration suspended them for ten days, then for the rest of the year. Their suspension includes prohibition from all school activities, including graduation.
On June 11th, the parents of the three students will proudly hold an alternative graduation celebration for them.
If you cannot attend the ceremony but would still like to express your support, please send congratulations, gifts, and any donations to Derrick Weber, Shayna Kamilar and Vinnie Mascola, care of Derrick’s mother, at the following address:
Colleen Chrzanowsiki
2290 Hickory Circle Dr.
Howell MI 48855