DUNCAN, SC (AP) - Fourteen people have been ticketed for public disorderly conduct during Byrnes High School graduation for cheering loudly when their graduates' names were called out.
Duncan Police Chief Ryan Cothran told WYFF-TV each person must pay a $262 fine for their outbursts at the Tuesday night ceremony.
Cothran says students are warned in advance to tell well-wishers outbursts won't be tolerated. Audience members are also warned twice during the ceremony to hold their applause until the end.
The chief says the no-cheering policy has been in place for three years, but this was the most tickets issued at once.
In 2008, eight people were charged with public disorderly conduct after being accused of cheering during graduations at Rock Hill schools. Charges were later dropped against at least seven of those arrested.
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14727472That is so ridiculous...