Despite attempts to buck tradition, the usual pomp and circumstance will reign at high school graduation ceremonies in Suffolk this weekend.

Just as graduation dress codes distributed last February required, girls are expected to wear dresses or dress suits and boys are expected to wear shirts, ties and jackets, said Bethanne Bradshaw, spokeswoman for Suffolk Public Schools.

A Lakeland High School girl challenged the dress code last week when she went to the media, upset after learning her white pants suit would not be acceptable.

School officials have said any student not following the dress code would not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Bradshaw acknowledged that the dress code- which only specifies &uot;suit&uot;-is written a little ambiguously. A suit, in this case, specifically means a skirt and jacket set, Bradshaw said.

&uot;It will be clearer next year,&uot; she said. &uot;A graduation is a turning point in a child’s life and there are certain times when semi-formal attire is appropriate.&uot;

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com