MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – What was supposed to be one of the most memorable nights ended before it began for Clintondale High School seniors.
Some students had already arrived at the venue, dressed and ready to walk in, when they were turned away by the police.
Tip came through hotline
Clintondale Interim Superintendent Kevin Knoblock said the district was notified by the Michigan State Police OK2SAY tip line. The tip indicated a student may be bringing a firearm to prom and was categorized as a “Planned School Attack.”
School administrators, the district’s school resource officer, and Clinton Township police reviewed the situation and discussed possible responses before deciding to cancel.
“We carefully considered every option, fully aware of the disappointment this decision would cause for students and families,” Knoblock said. “However, we also recognized the serious potential risk involved and our responsibility to protect everyone attending the event.”
Seniors caught off guard
For many Clintondale seniors, the cancellation was a gut punch. Students had spent weeks and significant money preparing for the night.
“We stayed up all night fixing my dress,” said senior Myasia Robles.
Senior Nazarha Taylor echoed that sentiment.
“We waited our whole high school years for it,” Taylor said.
Robles said she was making her entrance at the venue’s parking lot when she got the news.
“We were making our entrance, and then the security guard stopped us, and he was like, ‘The prom is canceled,’ and we are like, ‘What?’” Robles said.
Families want answers, and their money back
Beyond the emotional toll, students and families are now asking whether they’ll be reimbursed for tickets and other expenses.
“The prom ticket alone was $80, so can we at least get the money back for that?” Robles said.
“It was canceled. The only thing they can do is give us our money back,” Taylor said.
Meanwhile, some alumni are already trying to salvage the night.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help fund an alternate prom, already raising hundreds of dollars.
Investigation ongoing
Clinton Township police have launched a full investigation into the threat.
As of Tuesday (June 2), officials said they had no additional details about a potential suspect or the credibility of the threat.
Knoblock said the district understands the weight of the decision on students and families.
“We understand and share the disappointment felt by our students and families,” Knoblock said. “Student safety, however, will always remain our highest priority.”
The district said it is still working to determine next steps, including whether prom will be rescheduled and whether ticket refunds will be issued.
Graduation, however, remains on schedule for this Friday.