EXETER — Peter Butera hoped to spread a message with his speech at Wyoming Area’s graduation ceremony on June 16. In a matter of days, his message spread farther than just Greater Pittston.
The 18-year-old West Pittston resident has received national attention from his speech, in which he began to call out administration and faculty members, before having his microphone cut off.
News outlets such as CNN, the New York Times,, USA Today and the Washington Post have all picked up Butera’s story. He also made an appearance via Skype on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night.
Despite the attention, Butera said the message of free speech is the topic of discussion — not the changes he wants to see in the school district.
“Initially, I was happy that so much attention was being brought to the issues I highlighted,” he said. “But, I have realized the national media has made it more about myself and free speech than about the issues I outlined, which isn’t what I intended. The cutting of a microphone was something national media highlighted and that wasn’t what I highlighted in my speech.”
In his speech, Butera began talking about how the lack of a real student government combined with the authoritative attitude of some teachers, administrators and board members, prevents students from developing as leaders.
Before he could finish, his microphone was cut off by school principal, Dr. Jon Pollard, much to the disdain of the audience and his classmates. Butera was given a standing ovation as he returned to his seat.
“I think the support I got has shown that what I did was the right thing to do and what I said was true,” Butera said.
Pollard did not return calls seeking comment for this story.
Butera noted his graduation speech had to be approved by administration before he could speak, but he said he knew all along he was going to go off script.
“I gave it to them knowing I was going to say it different, because I knew if I gave them what I wanted to say, there was no way I’d be allowed to say it,” said Butera. “I knew it was the right thing to do.”
Butera also noted that, despite the attention being taken away from his graduating classmates, he’s received nonstop support from all of them.
With national attention, however, comes both supporters and detractors who believe the ceremony was not the right place for Butera to air his grievances.
He disagrees.
“Based on the attention and support, which was brought to the issues in my speech and was my main purpose, I would argue that this was the perfect time and place to do this,” Butera said.
Butera said he is meeting with school superintendent Janet Serino to air his concerns.
In an interview with the Times Leader, Serino said she immediately contacted Butera after graduation and asked to meet with him to discuss his concerns.
“He and I both agree that this discussion will provide his point of view of his school and can be valuable in future decision-making,” she said. “Other students have used these meeting opportunities and are always welcomed.”
“I appreciate that she’s going to hear my concerns and I hope something will be done regarding this,” Butera said. “And to find out if it will, you’ll have to ask a student next year.”
He said he’ll also attend the public school board meeting Tuesday.
Butera served as class president all four years of his high school career. He said it wasn’t so much student ideas being turned away, but more of a lack of explanation of school decisions as well as lack of student input.
He noted the passing of the school’s dress code last summer began his frustrations, due to the lack of student input on the matter.
Butera also touched upon the principal change that happened in the middle of the school year.
“There were decisions made in the school and, when students asked why decisions were made, especially with new principals, whenever students ask why decisions are made, administration would say ‘Because we said so,’” he said.
Serino said in her interview with the Times Leader she and Butera had discussed his concerns about the school dress code prior to its implementation, and his comments were shared with the school board.
Butera will attend Villanova University in the fall and his message has already spread to his future classmates.
“I’ve had numerous Villanova alumni, as well as future classmates, message me and tell me how they support what I did,” he said.
Asked if he hopes his message will inspire students in similar situations to speak up, Butera said “Yes, I do. I hope so.”
