Plano Independent School District (ISD) plans to use NameCheck, an AI-powered name reading technology, for upcoming high school spring graduations, as first reported by WFAA. In an email to parents obtained by WFAA, the district said they wanted the big moment to “feel personal and accurate.” 

Plano ISD did not respond to Chron’s request for comment by the time of publication.

NameCheck, a Stage Clip product, will allow each graduate to hear their name read aloud and provide approval for feedback, according to the product website. The system allows students to record their names,  effectively training the system to pronounce them correctly—an approach supporters say could eliminate the all-too-common mispronunciations that can mar the big moment. 

Still, the decision has quickly sparked debate. 

Some students and parents say the shift strips away a meaningful human element. 

Avery Cousins, a senior at Plano High School, has started a petition against the change, calling to bring back a human announcer.

“It really sunk in how wild this decision was,” Cousins told WFAA. “There is such a distinct human factor to having somebody who knows you and contributed to your education say your name while you walk.”

Dozens of residents appear to agree with her, sharing their outrage under social media posts announcing the district’s plan to use the NameCheck tool.

“That is peak laziness,” one user wrote on Facebook. “Come on, Plano.” 

“Technology does not need to be used in every aspect of life,” wrote another. “Some traditions need to be left alone.” 

But others are welcoming the change, arguing that accuracy matters —especially for students from diverse backgrounds. 

“One of the strengths of our community is that it is very diverse,” one user wrote. “This system lets the kids teach the AI how to say their name in advance, so we don’t botch it in the heat of the moment. It is a small way to show respect to the kids at their graduation.” 

Others highlighted that the tool could enhance the ceremony’s efficiency. Some said the program has already been used in other institutions across the U.S, and questioned why it would be controversial. 

“What, why is this controversy again?” a commenter questioned.Â