WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018
HERMISTONHERALD.COM • A9
OPINION
Turning the tassel on old-school ideas
clothing. Sure, it was held in the
Round-Up Grounds, but I guaran-
tee you cowboys getting bucked
Evidently I’m old-school.
off horses in September will be
I like to think I’m progressive better dressed than many who
and hip — geez, even the very attended the June 2 ceremony.
use of the word “hip” indicates I
Don’t get me wrong, I like
come from a bygone era —
to be casual and comfort-
able as the next person —
but I am amazed at some of
dressing up in Eastern Ore-
the attire people wear when
gon is more likely to mean
attending graduation cere-
monies. Ceremony is a big
starched jeans and a sport
hint. The word’s very defi-
coat rather than evening
nition indicates it’s a formal
gowns and tuxedos.
occasion.
I wore capris, a collared
Granted, it’s been 40 Tammy
shirt and a sun hat (NOT
years since I turned the tas- Malgesini
a baseball hat). I was defi-
INSIDE MY
nitely dressed nicer than
sel, but when I graduated, SHOES
a 20-something gal who
people in attendance treated
it as a formal affair and wore was wearing what could best be
their “Sunday best.” I recently described as an adult onesie.
Before you jump on the band-
covered Pendleton’s graduation
and couldn’t believe some of the wagon dissing Pendleton’s lack of
By TAMMY MALGESINI
COMMUNITY EDITOR
reverence to formality, Hermis-
ton’s recent ceremony at the Toy-
ota Center had its unceremonious
moments as well.
Last summer during discus-
sions about possible venues (and
back-up sites) for the class of 2018
ceremony, Hermiston School Dis-
trict officials reiterated the impor-
tance of maintaining a tradition of
treating graduation as a very for-
mal and serious event. Chicago
transplant Mark Gomolski, who
joined the board after a write-in
campaign last spring, had ques-
tioned whether they really needed
to paint the gymnasium each year
for the ceremony.
Further establishing the for-
mal nature of the event, district
officials even outlined appropri-
ate attire for those donning a cap
and gown. Clothing underneath,
a letter said, could not include
shorts or flip-flops. It also indi-
cated that balloons, noise makers,
silly string and confetti weren’t
allowed during the ceremony.
However, the concession stands
at the Toyota Center offered pop-
corn, nachos and other food and
drinks. Seriously, what formal
events feature the consumption
of junk food? Do you think peo-
ple snacked on meat pies during
the recent royal wedding of Prince
Harry and Meghan Markle at St.
George’s Chapel?
While the consumption of food
and drinks is available prior to
formal performances and during
intermission at New York’s Met-
ropolitan Opera House, it isn’t
allowed in the main venue. And,
less formal than the MET, A.C.T.
A Contemporary Theatre in Seat-
tle allows drinks in its theaters,
provided they are in plastic cups
with no ice. Food is a no-no.
It seems to me that those
attending a gradation ceremony
could forgo eating snack foods
that are reminiscent of watching
a sporting event. The next thing
you know they’ll add a count-
down and shot clock indicating
how many graduates are still wait-
ing to receive their diploma — or
god forbid, having the audience
engage in “The Wave” as a send-
off to seniors.
———
Tammy Malgesini is the com-
munity editor. Her column, Inside
my Shoes, includes general mus-
ings about life. Contact her at
tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com
or 541-564-4539.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Election loss doesn’t mean end of service
Dear friends:
As you all know, I ran for the City Council position in
Hermiston, Ward 1. Sadly, I came in third. However, it was
an awesome experience. I loved meeting many of you and
sharing my vision as a possible Council member. I want
to thank Hermiston Herald and East Oregonian for there
support. I want to thank all those who supported me and
cast their vote for me.
I am going to continue to work behind the scenes to
help Hermiston to become even a greater town to live in. I
am on the budget committee and I plan on attending City
Council meeting and other meetings at the ground floor
level of development to ensure that the community voice
is heard.
At this time, I like to announce that I am supporting
Lori Davis for City Council. I’ve met with her and
discussed her vision for Hermiston. She has a humble
spirit and a listening ear. She will be a fine City Council
member and representative of Ward 1.
Once again a million thanks to you.
Love,
Jackie Linton
Hermiston
Bounds nomination good for justice
Ryan Wesley Bounds’ nomination to the U.S. Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals was approved by the Senate
Judiciary Committee on June 7. Lady Justice, with her
blindfold and scales of justice, smiled.
Why? Because Lady Justice knows that Ryan Bounds
of Hermiston High School, Stanford University and Yale
Law, law clerk to Justice Diarmuid O’Scannlain, counselor
to President George W. Bush, and assistant U.S. attorney,
will be a superlative justice.
Along the way, our two U.S. senators sullied themselves
trying to waylay the confirmation of this worthy attorney
and decent man. They failed. As they should.
After Mr. Bounds is appointed to the bench and hands
down his decisions, Democrat and Republican alike will
be surprised. Lady Justice will knowingly smile.
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