OMG: 5/21/2009
Alright, so I read the majority of this comments and all I have to say is OMG. Think about it like this, if this was a STUDENT who plagerized they would be in deep (bleep) BUT A TEACHER FGS! thats a bit ridiculous that all he had to do was say sorry? Thats going a little bit easy he copied the ENTIRE will ferrell speech and all he has to do is say I'm sorry..I forgot to cite my sources OMG my rear end he forgot to cite sources. Hester is a joke and so is Pfannenstiel.
(Posted by: HHS student)

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Seriously...: 5/21/2009
Congratulations to the graduates of 2009! You have hopefully learned, if nothing else, that you should not plagiarize. You have also learned that in the "real world" outside of HHS you will not escape the ridiculous, petty arguments that you saw in your HHS hallways. Enjoy college, work or whatever you decide to do following graduation and leave the whining, crying, and complaining to those that have nothing better to do!
(Posted by: JH 99')

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Ferrell-Pfannenstiel: 5/21/2009
I am a former resident and in the school district thatI teach in,a student who quotes directly will be out for five days and all computer's are off limits for one year.
(Posted by: kp)

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Failed to site? My foot.: 5/21/2009
JP used over 1000 words directly from Ferrells speech and he says he forgot to site is source? Give me a break. Stop bailing him out and let him learn the lessons of hard knocks he talked about in his - I mean Ferrells - speech. JP needs to grow up or get out.
(Posted by: 2009 Grad)

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: 5/20/2009
I didn't attend graduaton nor have I heard Jerett's speech but I think plagerism is a bit more serious than some of the readers here care to understand. And to the seniors, really, he must be "Mr. Cool" to you! Think about it...he was so great he couldn't come up with something original to say to you as you leave high school. I'm just glad he wasn't an English teacher...how bad might that have looked!
(Posted by: former hhs student)

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to Stack: 5/20/2009
As I said....not ALL the students thought his speech was ok..and bottom line, it was stolen. You may think stealing a speech and passing it off as his own is good enough. There are students who understand plagerism is wrong. His speech could have been hilarious, boring, interesting, etc...but it should have been HIS speech.
(Posted by: HHS mom)

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Move on: 5/20/2009
A dude makes a mistake, admits it, says sorry, moves on, and is a better person. Lets leave the guy alone.
(Posted by: 2008 HHS Graduate)

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Concerned Parent etal: 5/20/2009
Can you not understand this is only Hays KS and really don't think anyone really cares and as a prior writer mentioned - do you remember who spoke at yours? It's a quick flash and those that get bent out of shape about these minute issues really need to get a life. It's not worth an apology even if one was needed.
(Posted by: Haysite)

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To USD 489: 5/20/2009
Wow, once again typical Hays BS. I sit here a read what some of the parents have written about the "speech" and I sit here and laugh. What are you trying to teach your kids that if you complain enough and point your finger of blame to someone else, that you will never have to take responsibility for anything. That is all you are teaching, you not showing the true manner of this. You should be showing that not everything will work in your favor, but that is life take the good with the bad and move on. Also I say "Good for Mr. Pfannenstiel" for doing something that YOU BELIEVE was right. As typical Hays has always been the "NIMBY's" of the world. For you that don't the meaning of NIMBY it means "not in my back yard" to once again try to control every thing. I graduated about 14 years ago and I cannot remember who spoke at my graduation. Nor do I give a "beep", life isn't about High School it is what you do after high school that matters. And if you let High School depict what you are going to do for the rest of your life. Well let me save you some time and buy you a shovel cause all you going to be doing is digging ditches...I believe Hester owes Pfannenstiel an apology, causes unlike Pfannenstiel, Hester is reacting to what the parents say and not the students...SHAME…Principals are for the students…
(Posted by: Does it really matter?)

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Plagiarism: 5/20/2009
Yes, students, your graduation speaker may be a humorous, wonderful, caring teacher, but also one who is misguided when it comes to plagiarism. The speech given was not "Will Ferrell like," but was Will Farrell's words, almost the whole speech given to Harvard graduates in 2003. By plagiarizing, individuals can set themselves up for lawsuits and the loss of a job (fired). When plagiarizing copyrighted material, individuals can be charged with a crime. Intellectual property is no different than owning a car, a television or any other physical object that can be stolen. Plagiarism is a serious offense, especially in today's society with the internet making it so easy to access other's information. While I can appreciate all those coming to the speaker's defense, please be aware of the seriousness of the act.
(Posted by: Concerned Parent)

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To HHS Mom: 5/20/2009
If Mr. Pfannenstiel would have delivered an average boring graduation speech and some of the kids did not like it and it put them to sleep, at THEIR graduation (not yours), would you still be complaining for them?
(Posted by: Stack)

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grad?: 5/20/2009
Some of the graduating seniors did not appreciate the speech. I hope those who think plagerizing a speech is ok, are not headed for college! It sends the wrong message to seniors when a teacher plagerizes.
(Posted by: HHS mom)

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: 5/20/2009
I personally think this entire thing is being blown out of proportion. I think before little things like this are acted on, the BOE and others need to get their priorities in order. They also need to practice what they preach because if this was uncalled for then so is the way they have been carrying themselves for the past year at the board meetings. As a graduate, I know that there was a reason Mr. Pfannenstiel was chosen to speak at our graduation. It's because he took the time to get to know all of us and acknowledged everyone that he knew. He made school fun and I can honestly say taught me the most out of my four years of math. He is a funny man and can relate to the rest of us because he graduated not long ago himself. The students that know him well, as well as the students who don't., understood his speech because we know his sense of humor. Anyone that talks to him often knows that you won't have one conversation with him where he doesn't quote a movie. As for the parents that are concerned, it's unfortunate for you that you clearly never had the chance to get to know because if you did, you wouldn't be making a big deal out of this. I was one of the students that he made a shout out to and I was very appreciative of it. I don't think there is anything wrong with him doing that because, like someone else said it's not any different than certain people in our class getting diplomas handed to them from there parents. Good for them! I'm glad that their parents had the opportunity to do that. And if you want to .complain about Mr. Pfannenstiel only recognizing certain students, then why aren't you complaining about the administrators that only attended a handful of the seniors' graduation parties. What about the rest of us...I'm not crying about it. I haven't heard any students that are upset about this speech and I think it's ridiculous that the parents are acting so selfish and immature. Didn't you enter the real world a while back? Isn't it time you understand that life isn't always fair? Grow up!
(Posted by: HHS 2009 Graduate)

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Get over it: 5/20/2009
Reading through the comments and listening to fellow graduating seniors over the past few days, some things have become clear to me: the students did NOT think it was inappropriate and they don't care what the parents and others in attendance think. Sunday was about the students and no one else; anyone not a graduating senior needs to stop complaining about the speech as it was not meant for them. Had it been meant for those parents and families complaining about the speech maybe it would have been more 'appropriate' and aimed at them and their closed minds.
(Posted by: Frustrated Class Member)

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Grad student: 5/20/2009
Tell me what you say to your 10-year-old son when he asked why the teacher used "cuss words" in his speech? Not impressed!! We are from a small school and had students who stood up and gave a very memorable graduation speeches and it came directly from their heart...not the internet!
(Posted by: concerned parent)

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too low: 5/20/2009
The people who think that speech was good have expectations that are far too low. The students who chose him must have wanted him to speak his own mind. They did not elect someone just to hear them recite someone else's speech. I was at the graduation, and later read the Will Ferrell speech. The majority of Pfannenstiel's speech came directly, word by word from Ferrell. Most people given the honor of being chosen would take the time to write something personalized to the class. Mr. Pfannenstiel is a humorous guy, but surely he could have been humorous in his own right, without reciting someone else's work. Plagerism isn't funny....it is a weak cop-out.
(Posted by: expect more)

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Speaker: 5/19/2009
As a graduate this year I was glad Mr. Pfannenstiel spoke at our graduation he was a great teacher to me and tought me a lot the speech fit him well and was one of the reason we picked him because we knew it would be a fun entertaining speech not a boring one that none of us would remember but I know i will remember this speech. And him singling people out did not bother me at all and I was not one of them he was just saying congrats to the ones he was closes to. I believe it is just like one of the board members getting up to give a certain person there diploma. Everyone and Mr. Hester is making this a lot bigger deal then it should be because it wasn't like every other speech. He did something different and I am glad he did for us.
(Posted by: HHS Grad 2009)

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apology?: 5/19/2009
My son graduated from Hays High School Sunday. I was thrilled that the students has asked Jerett Pfannenstiel to speak to them. I was excited to hear him speak and I was not disappointed; Jerett’s speech was extremely humorous with the bonus of being short. I beg to differ with Mr. Hester’s assessment that the speech was “inappropriate”. Now knowing that Jerett borrowed parts of his speech from a Will Ferrell speech I agree that he should have given Mr. Ferrell credit. That is the ONLY inappropriate item about the speech. I’m over 50, I grew up in a conservative household, and was well educated. I also happen to live today in the real world. Jerett’s speech was spot on. The students AND the audience enjoyed it. I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. To humiliate Jerett Pfannenstiel by forcing him to apologize for his speech is disgusting. I suggest the school board & high school administration take a closer look at themselves. I suspect they really aren’t as “classy” as they would like us to believe & have no cause to judge and criticize others. Talk about overreacting...........Geez!
(Posted by: Colleen Kopfman)

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HHS Graduation Speaker: 5/19/2009
Let's call the speech what it was-plagiarism. What type of lesson does this provide for students? What would the punishment be for any student who would have plagiarised in a class? Mr. Pfannenstiel is not a student. He is a teacher and he needs to start acting like one. Graduation should not have been his opportunity to bully students. What has the district tried to instill in our students since grade school. Be kind, don't be a bully. Maybe Hays High needs to go back to recognizing a valedictorian and have that student speak. I am sure the speech would then be approved prior to presentation. This could avoid our community the embarrassment brought on by Mr. Pfannenstiel's disregard for the students, parents and families in attendance at this year's ceremony. USD 489 needs to take a strong stand on this behavior and a public apology is not enough.
(Posted by: HHS Offended Parent)

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LOST THE BIG GAME: 5/19/2009
Pfannenstiel cann't coach baseball but he can steal a speach.........good one Hester....maybe you think no is watching you get the free education for Fred's job but you need to rethink it and maybe not be on break with the boys and pay attention to YOUR job. This is bad for you and the public, cuts need to be made and you should be one of them. Just the one of the under laying dogs that cann't believe what is allowed to the good ole boys.....
(Posted by: OVER PAID)

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speech: 5/19/2009
He did something wrong. But being one of his recent students he does an amazing job teaching. No one can keep kids attention for as long as he does!
(Posted by: Student of speaker)

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Speech: 5/19/2009
Wow, I can hardly believe this is an issue. The speech may have been a bit unothodx, it may have been Will farell like. I believe George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin were considered over the top rebels, extrimist, unorodox. Should we dig them up and see if they'll apologize for starting and fighting for a Free country. A country where speech is a constiutional right and not a privilage as in socialist and certainly communist countries. The speech captured my attention. I wasn't bored or asleep. Quite a change for graduation. This was for the students. Those of you with zero sense of humor and pitch forks looking for trouble, "Grow up". So the speech wasn't about you. Here is your first learning experience into the real world, " It's not about you." I find it grossly pathetic for this teacher to be pushed into an apology. The few who made big whoopla about this...go find a real issue. Does the paper have nothing more pressing to write about? Should HHS bore us with this kind of kindergaten issue. I think the principle and the school board should all take a time out to the corner. Perhaps when you come you can all work on a real issue. At least we learned one thing; you do have the ability to come together and force action. Now use it some other issues of greater importance.
(Posted by: Hays high parent, student not a baseball player or a validictorian, nor was my student mentioned))

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Speech: 5/19/2009
My sons graduated from another high school and our school has students compete to give the graduation speech, we have 3 speakers. The students have to write their speeches and have them approved. We feel this works well in our school system. Every school system has it's own traditions and this teacher crossed the line and has appologized for his indiscretion. I believe he learned a lesson and this could be a tool for speakers in the future.
(Posted by: )

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How about you tube?: 5/19/2009
Anybody got a copy of this speech you can put on You Tube? As consumers of information and patrons of the district, let's take the Pepsi Challenge on this and let our tastes decide.
(Posted by: I Am Curious (Maroon))

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HHS Speaker: 5/19/2009
What a complete joke. Students will remember this their whole life and a joke teacher goes out there and uses profanity and makes everything seem like a complete joke. As a former HHS student this bothers me. It's time that somebody makes an example of this and not let anything like this happen again.
(Posted by: Former Student)

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speech: 5/19/2009
Nobody will succed or fail based on the commencement speech, but it is a tribute to the seniors. They deserve better than a re-hashed speech and "shout-outs" to favorites.
(Posted by: mom)

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Speaker: 5/19/2009
Kudos for Mr. Pfannenstiel's courage for accepting the challenge of giving such a large speech. I believe it took a lot of courage to do so. The fact that people do not understand the speech seems more pathetic to me than the language. Loosen up a little people. It is a comedic routine that is truly funny. I also give kudos to Mr. Pfannensteil for standing up and apologizing. The biggest thing here is that the students LOVE him and will probably never forget his speech or his teachings. The day was for the class of 2009, not the parents and grandparents, nor the City of Hays for that matter. I say good job sir!
(Posted by: B. Haler)

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Graduation Speech: 5/19/2009
Okay so the speech wasn't the usual go on and on about "life" and there was some language that may have been offensive to some. But in todays society the use of "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is offensive to some and the BOE kept that in the ceremony and will probably continue to air it on Channel 13. Should they extend an appology for perhaps offending someone, somewhere? One post was offended at the mention of certain students. Where do the appologies stop? Before long there may not be a ceremony so no one is left out or offended. Glad our last one graduated this year, tired of all this stuff.
(Posted by: glad to be out of 489)

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: 5/19/2009
I graduated from HHS and would like to say that having Mr. Pfannenstiel speak at my graduation would have made it much more memorable and not so mundane. How many of the students did not enjoy his speech? Have we asked them instead of the parents cause the last time I checked it is a day for the students and not the parents. Also should we stop recognizing students with GPA's of 4.0 and such because we leave out the students who only had a 3.0 GPA?
(Posted by: STACK)

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Speaker: 5/19/2009
I went to HHS and we had a big ta do over who spoke for the graduation speech from the staff. Guess what even a year later it didn't matter. In fact I can't tell you who did speak nor do I care. Get over it people. The kids who weren't mentioned will move on in life and still achieve things even though they were forgotten in a little speech and the sun still came up the next day. You should all find something bigger then this to work on making better at HHS or in the USD 489 district.
(Posted by: Thomas)

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speech: 5/19/2009
I have never met Pfannenstiel, but I like him!!!! Way to introduce some life in a boring, same'ol drab that graduations are. Lighten up BOE and parents.
(Posted by: cory)

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: 5/19/2009
i have to agree that Mr. Pfannenstiel's speech was a bit "inappropriate," and did not deliver a message to our graduating students at all. Not only that, but he singled out his baseball team students and a few other students which I felt was also "inappropriate," considering there were 160 sum other students who worked hard all year long. I believe Mr. Pfannenstiel is a good teacher and the students seem to like him, but perhaps should he ever be chosen to speak again, someone really needs to approve of his speech first!
(Posted by: HHS graduating parent)

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Grad speaker: 5/19/2009
Maybe it's time to recognize a Valedictorian again. Let one of the top students say a few words. Pfannenstiel's crass talk at graduation was pathetic.
(Posted by: Steve Harrison)

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