Lou Riolo

Erin brought it to me, knowing Jack is Autistic and nonverbal and is hypersensitive to loud sounds and crowds at times there were some concerns.

After thinking on it for a few days, I came up with the idea of asking the entire auditorium to stay silent so that Jack could receive his diploma, we planned on doing it immediately after the singing of the National Anthem because we knew Jack sitting there with all the commotion for over 45 minutes would be too much.

I know my school my students and community, they always step up. by Lou Riolo

I know my school my students and community, they always step up.

We planned on doing it immediately after the singing of the National Anthem because we knew Jack sitting there with all the commotion for over 45 minutes would be too much. i did run it past our Assistant Principal Mr. John Fink because he would be honest if he thought it was as I called it Shooting the moon. He loved it. I also informed our [superintendent]Mr. Andy Irvin and before I finished his answer was I love it, lets do it! I met with Barbara and Pat, Jacks parents, and they thought it was a great idea.

Their actions of standing up in honor of their classmate was their idea.It was not rehearsed. It was genuine.