Student who blew kiss to mom denied diploma

Superintendent defends move, but Maine teen’s mother wants an apology

Video: Education

Iranian-American goes from grad student to government threat
Nov. 24:Esha Momeni, an Iranian-American student who was jailed in Tehran for protesting the country's elections, has returned to the U.S. and talks about her time in prison. NBC's Ali Arouzi reports.

Where was the first Thanksgiving?

Students too fat to graduate?

Vitter: Louisiana a capital of charter schools

Principal pushes students to recover, soar

Breaking news alerts (about 1 per day)
Click here to sign up or text NEWS to MSNBC (67622).

Find more alerts at alerts.msnbc.com

NBC Field Notes

NBC News correspondents and producers across the U.S. shed light on the news of the day.

Photo features

Reuters	The Week in Pictures A starry night, cat’s mouth, a lighthouse stands tall, bear attack, a sea of balloons, H1N1 reaction and more news and feature photos from around the globe.
Moody Pet via AP	PhotoBlog View and discuss the pictures and issues that caught our eyes.

Most popular

• Most viewed

• Top rated

• Most e-mailed

15 tips for a happier Thanksgiving

For Black Friday, it's HDTVs and diapers

Rocket man fails to fly from Morocco to Spain

Where are the ‘Biggest Losers’ now?

Nurse anesthetist accused of abusing patients

Most viewed on msnbc.com

updated 9:34 a.m. ET June 17, 2009

PORTLAND, Maine - A Maine high school senior says he was denied his diploma because he bowed during graduation and blew a kiss to his mother.

Justin Denney was about to receive his Bonny Eagle High School diploma on Friday when he pointed at friends and relatives.

Schools Superintendent Suzanne Lukas ordered him back to his seat. She told the Portland Press Herald newspaper she was enforcing behavior rules.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Justin's mother, Mary Denney, said her son's showboating didn't break any rules. She told WMTW-TV "a kiss to your mom is not misbehavior." She is seeking an apology — and a diploma for her son.

The commencement at the Cumberland County Civic Center also was disrupted when a giant inflatable rubber duck and beach balls were thrown. One student was ejected.

Some parents want a review of commencement policies.