The Knucklehead of the Day award

Today's winner is Elaine Hanson, Principal of King Philip High School in Wrentham Massachusetts. She gets the award for the following-

A Wrentham high school’s refusal to allow West Point officials to congratulate two student appointees at a school banquet has sparked outrage among parents and politicians who are calling the decision "shameful" and "sad."

"I’m upset by it and I’m still puzzled as to why the principal decided to do what she did," said U.S. Rep. James McGovern, D-3rd. "It seems like someone has made a decision and they’re going to stick to it, whether it makes sense or not."

The decision means King Philip High School students Jeffrey Chin of Plainville and William Small of Norfolk will not receive official recognition at tomorrow’s banquet for years of grinding work required to earn acceptance to highly prestigious West Point.

"It’s shameful they’re taking this position with a U.S. military academy," said William’s proud father, Alan Small. "I think as educators they have done a good job, but I disagree with this."

Small and Chin received nominations from their congressmen as well as U.S. Sens. John Kerry and Edward M. Kennedy. Both students spent their entire high school careers building their resumes to win a shot at West Point, which has offered acceptance to about 1,300 of the 13,000 students who started the grueling application process.

The academy, in recognition of appointees’ hard work, has a tradition of officially offering acceptances at school banquets and graduations. But when West Point officials approached King Philip Principal Elaine Hanson, they were told it was against the school’s policy, according to parents and public officials.

State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, a major in the National Guard, said the high school only allows access to local groups that give scholarships, not academies or universities wishing to honor students.

"It just takes away from the accomplishments of the school, the teachers and the kids -- and that’s sad," Brown said. "To have two students accepted from the same class is unheard of. It’s such an honor."

Neither Hanson nor School Superintendent Richard Robbat returned phone calls seeking comment yesterday. The administrators have received calls from U.S. congressmen, town officials, parents and others wishing to express disagreement with their decision.

Just another small minded idiot(liberal). These two young men are wanting to serve thier country. They should be honored, but Hanson is clueless. The school has since reversed course. It don't matter, for bringing her politics to a school banquet Elaine Hanson is today's Knucklehead of the day.

Hat tip- Michelle Malkin
Open Post- Jo's Cafe, Bright & Early, Cao's Blog, Mudville Gazette, Basil's Blog,
Cross posted to Bullwinkle Blog