Valedictorian's mother to hold news conference

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville City School Board said it considers the issue of who will be the valedictorian for Gainesville High School a closed matter. But, the mother of Cody Stephens, the student who now holds the sole honor, said she will pursue the issue further.

Valerie Stephens told Fox 5 News the other student initially named co-valedictorian, Charlie Bryant, did the right thing by stepping aside.

Bryant and his family issued a statement through the Gainesville School Board Monday, stating in part, "We believe that this decision is in the best interest of GHS and our community. More importantly, we feel the decision is in the best interest of two incredible young men, our son Charlie and his friend, Cody Stephens."

Valerie Stephens said she feels the school system is at fault for the way the issue was handled.

She told the television station she'll hold a news conference at the high school at 5:00 Tuesday afternoon.

The Gainesville School Board has issued an e-mail saying that no news conference has been approved at Gainesville High School.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/2/246119