STUDENTS RALLY FOR CLASSMATE

More than 60 South Lenoir High School seniors have signed a petition to
allow a fellow student who was expelled from school to participate in their
graduation ceremony.

Nicholas Russell, 18, was suspended from school Jan. 11 after Lenoir County
Sheriff's deputies found a small bag of marijuana in his car, parked at
South Lenoir. He was later expelled.

Russell was charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor, but never
jailed.

South Lenoir Principal Bobby Davis said he's doing what he feels is right
by not letting Russell take part in the ceremony.

"When a situation comes up, you have to make a judgment," Davis said. "I'm
doing what I think will benefit those students here now and in the future."

Lenoir County Assistant Superintendent Gerald Roberson said when a student
violates board policy, it is up to Superintendent Curtis Rains to determine
the length of suspension.

Roberson said after the suspension is set, the rest is up to the student's
principal.

Because Russell only needed one class to graduate, Rains allowed him to
take it at Kinston High School.

Russell said he is happy he will receive a diploma, but feels he should be
allowed to participate in the ceremony.

"I have never been in trouble before," Russell said. "All through high
school I was considered academically gifted."

Russell said a student was suspended from Kinston High School and charged
with having a weapon on school grounds, but is being allowed to graduate
with her class.

Kinston High School Principal Craig Hill said a student's discipline
problems are confidential and would not comment on Russell's claim.

Davis said, regardless of what might have happened at Kinston High School,
he does not feel Russell should be allowed the privilege of walking down
the aisle with his graduating class.

"I don't know the circumstances of the other situation and wouldn't want to
second guess that principal's decision," Davis said. "I can't use the fact
that someone else is doing, or not doing something, to base my decision on."

Russell's father, Randy, thinks a decision as important as this one should
be left up to Rains and not a principal.

"It's just not right for the principal to make that decision," Randy
Russell said. "My son did something wrong and we've dealt with it. He
should be allowed to graduate with his class, especially when other
students at other schools who have been suspended are allowed to participate."