A high school graduation ceremony in Tennessee descended into chaos when multiple fights broke out among attendees, resulting in eleven arrests and leaving officials to describe the scenes as “selfish and disgraceful” — while the school superintendent was keen to make clear the students themselves were not to blame.
The brawl erupted at Ripley High School’s graduation ceremony in Lauderdale County on 14 May, with footage showing chairs scattered across the school gymnasium as the fighting spread. The person filming can be heard saying: “You can’t even have a f****** graduation.”
Seven men, three juveniles and one woman have since been charged in connection with the incident. Most suspects turned themselves in to authorities. Those charged include Kenteavious Washington, Charlie Rogers, Nygel Lattimore, Damien Lattimore, Za’Darius Smith, Jordan Bonds and Devontae Robertson — all facing charges of inciting a riot and disorderly conduct. Stephanie Scott was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Three juveniles face charges of inciting a riot and disorderly conduct, with one also charged with criminal trespass.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office issued a pointed statement on Facebook. “Tonight should have been one of the proudest moments in the lives of many young men and women in our community,” officers wrote. “Instead, what should have been a celebration of hard work, dedication, and achievement was disrupted by the selfish and disgraceful actions of a group of individuals. It is a shame that a handful of cowardly individuals chose to rob them of a moment they had earned through years of effort and perseverance.”
School superintendent Selina Sparkman moved quickly to defend the graduates, saying the fighting was started by adults in attendance rather than students. “I don’t want to be mistaken and for anybody to think that our children did this,” she said. “Once again, they did an amazing job.”
The sheriff’s office addressed the graduates directly in its statement, writing: “To the graduates and their families, we cannot restore the moment that was taken from you, but we can assure you that those responsible have been held accountable. My sincere hope is that our efforts provide some sense of closure and a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in Lauderdale County.”
