Letter from Sherlee Rathbone

An Open Letter to Coop BOE

Shame on Cooperstown Central School administrators for not allowing the National Anthem to be played at the CCS 2026 Graduation Ceremony. One of the most important events in the lives of our youth, of families, and of the community, with an incredible venue—it is shameful that, with our school band waiting patiently for a signal to begin, it never came. What a kick in the teeth for our CCS band members, having practiced diligently for this honor.

As an alumni of Cooperstown Central, this shameful act would never have been permitted when I attended school. I need not point out that this being a special celebration of our nation—acknowledging the hundreds of thousands of veterans who served and died for our freedom—that this is appalling. My father, along with thousands of unnamed men, lied about their age to fight for us. He was only 16 years of age and entered the Army during World War II.

I am requesting, in writing, who made the decision to ignore the program, ignore patriotism of our country, and assume that they had the right to forfeit this special salute to me and others that love America. Who made the decision and who will apologize to me, the graduates, and the community? I noticed that the administration didn’t forget to announce themselves.

Sherlee Rathbone
Native Daughter, Class of 1966
Fly Creek

Editor’s Note: CCS Board President Peter Iorizzo said in a statement on Tuesday, June 30: “It was simply an oversight. The intention was for the band to play the anthem at the start of the ceremony, but the superintendent forgot to cue them to begin.” Interim Superintendent John Evans apologized for the oversight, confirming to AllOtsego that it was human error on his part and “certainly not intentional.”