MICHIGAN Kerry accepts graduate's invitation

One school board member has concerns.
MONROE, Mich. (AP) -- A Michigan high school student has persuaded likely Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry to speak at his school's commencement June 6 in Toledo, Ohio.
Kerry agreed to speak at Bedford High School's graduation after he received a letter from senior Brandon Spader, 18, of Lambertville. The school is in southeast Michigan, but the ceremony will be held at the University of Toledo's Savage Hall.
Spader wrote to the Massachusetts senator to ask for an interview for The Goalpost, Bedford's student newspaper. He got a call from Kerry's communications secretary about three weeks ago, The Monroe Evening News reported.
"She said, 'We got your letter, and it's everything we've been looking for. We've been looking for some high school commencements Senator Kerry might be able to speak at, and your letter sounded perfect and sounded like everything we wanted,'" Spader recounted.
Spader, who will attend the Air Force Academy after graduation, said he was surprised by the reaction to his letter from the Kerry's campaign.
"I never expected even a response, but I figured what the heck, it was a rainy day, and I'll write a letter," he said.
In his letter, Spader described Bedford Township, its location near the Michigan-Ohio line and how many residents commute to jobs at auto plants and other businesses.
"I talked about the school system and the budget cuts and how it's kind of getting bare bones -- things like that," Spader said.
He said he also sent a letter to President Bush but hasn't gotten a response.
Opposition
School board member Steven Lennex said he opposes Kerry's commencement speech. He said the visit apparently is not a school board decision and that might have future policy implications.
"What if next year the Ku Klux Klan or somebody else shows up and says, 'I want to speak at your graduation.' Where do we draw the line here?" he said.
But board member Laura Senters said Kerry's appearance would be a good advertisement for the district and make graduation more memorable for the students.
"I don't even remember who spoke at my graduation," she said. "These kids will remember this for the rest of their lives."