Mooning incident offends some
People in attendance at the Centre High School commencement exercises Sunday received a shock when a graduate mooned the audience shortly after receiving his diploma.
Todd Beneke, rural Lincolnville, had just received his diploma when he continued on across the stage, turned his back to the audience, bent down, and raised his gown to show an exposed derriere.
The audience emitted a loud gasp.
Afterward, a few people laughed about the incident, but most people were offended.
"I'm hopping mad at Todd Beneke," said Ruth Ann Carlson, who was his 4-H leader for years. Many others said they felt the same way.
Superintendent Demitry Evancho said Beneke's action was an act of civil disobedience, showing no respect for society or the public.
"It's unfortunate that the student chose to make a demonstration to draw attention to himself at a formal ceremony commemorating 13 years of education," he said. "I wish he would have used better judgment and shown a higher level of respect."
Evancho noted that he generally feels for every student under his care, but because Beneke exposed himself to young and old alike, he should suffer the consequences to the full extent of the law.
School officials have been in contact with Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker, and several people have contacted the county attorney's office. Evancho said Attorney Susan Robson has directed Sheriff Becker to take statements from several people who viewed the incident.
Evancho said if anyone happened to get the incident on video or film, they should come forward with it because it could be used by the county attorney as conclusive evidence.
"I wish the student wouldn't have done it," he reiterated, "but I will continue to follow through on this case until closure. This is not acceptable behavior."
