GAINESVILLE - The mother of a Gainesville High School senior says her son deserves to be the sole valedictorian at graduation this year, and Valerie Stephens has the backing of some community members in her quest.
In an e-mail this week to area media, Rev. Rose Johnson-Mackey announced a rally in support of Cody Stephens to be held next Sunday, February 12 at Antioch Church on Mill Street. The teen's mother says her son has the highest GPA and should not have to share the honor with another student.
In the e-mail Stephens is quoted, "What they are doing is wrong. I received a letter from the school board that promised they would follow the valedictorian administrative procedure. I don't understand. My son Cody has the highest GPA and he should receive the honor of being sole valedictorian. I don't understand why they are trying to cheat him out of an honor that he has earned. I don't understand why they are not following their own procedure. What they have done to a child who has strived academically to do his very best is not right."
Contacted earlier in the week, Gainesville City School Superintendent Merrianne Dyer said she could not comment on the issue because of privacy mandates. She did indicate valedictory honors are bestowed by the school and not the school board.
GHS Principal Chris Mance did not comment, issuing a statement through a school secretary that he could not speak on the matter.
According to supporters, the honor would carry even more prestige for Cody Stephens, since he would be the first African-American student to be the sole valedictorian for GHS.
There is no word on the identity of the other student who would share the valedictorian award.
The rally, being called a "Justice for Cody Rally" is scheduled for Sunday, February 12 at 4:00 pm at the Antioch Baptist Church on Mill Street in Gainesville, according to Johnson-Mackey.
Saturday
October 19th, 2024
9:29PM
