MLB-drafted student to walk in graduation

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 7 (UPI) -- A North Carolina high school student will be allowed to graduate after missing the rehearsal to accept a contract with the Boston Red Sox, officials said.

Ty Buttrey and his family said they missed Tuesday night's rehearsal for the June 12 Providence High School graduation in Charlotte because the student was on the phone working out a deal to play for the Major League Baseball team, WBTV, Charlotte, reported Thursday.

Principal Harrill Tracey said Wednesday morning the family erred in assuming Buttrey would not be allowed to walk in the graduation.

"The parents assumed that (Buttrey) would not participate in the ceremony without having a conversation with the principal prior to the rehearsal," she said. "I have worked with several families who contacted me prior to rehearsal to accommodate extenuating circumstances including a college athlete and a rising college freshman who attended an orientation. Graduations are a milestone and should be a memorable event for all families. I look forward to meeting with the (Buttrey's) parents to discuss the matter at hand."

The family met with Harrill Wednesday afternoon and the principal decided to allow Buttrey to walk in the graduation ceremony.

"No decision had been made prior to this meeting and Ms. Harrill never told Ty or his parents that he could not walk," a school representative said Wednesday evening. "She communicated her decision directly to Ty and his mother at today's meeting."