MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Community members, alumni, and local businesses are stepping in to give Clintondale High School seniors a prom-like sendoff after the school’s prom was canceled due to a gun threat last week, about an hour before it was set to begin.
Update: Clintondale High School students attend community prom after threat cancels event
Clinton Township Trustee Shannon King, whose daughter is a junior at Clintondale High School, said families were devastated by the sudden cancellation.
“She was part of the crew that was setting up that night, so to hear that she’s hurrying, setting up, then trying to get her dress on and get ready to go, and then to only hear that it was canceled was just, the wind was taken out of your sails,” King said.
In response, organizers raised money for what they are calling a “community prom,” which King said will include traditional prom elements such as a red carpet, DJ, dance floor, and photo opportunities. Organizers said they are relying on social media to spread the word since the event is not affiliated with the school.
The district said it cannot participate in any official rescheduling because the threat that led to the cancellation remains under investigation.
Interim Superintendent Kevin Knoblock issued a statement Monday afternoon, emphasizing that any efforts to recreate prom for students are not affiliated with or coordinated by the district.
“Clintondale Community Schools is proceeding with refunds for prom tickets. Individuals who purchased tickets will receive communication from the district this week regarding the refund process.
After extensive discussion and careful consideration, the district is unable to move forward with rescheduling prom.
The situation that led to the cancellation of prom remains an active investigation. Until proven otherwise, the threat is still being treated as credible.
Because there is currently no timeline for when the investigation will be completed, the district chose to refund purchased tickets so that students and families would not be asked to wait indefinitely.
We recognize and appreciate the engagement, commitment, and support shown by members of our community who have worked to explore alternative options on behalf of our students.
Any plans, discussions, or activities related to dates, locations, or amenities associated with the Community Activist Project, including efforts to independently organize or reschedule prom, are solely those of community members and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or coordinated through the district.
Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our students. We remain committed to that and are grateful for the continued care and dedication shown by our community."
Interim Superintendent Kevin Knoblock
At a school board meeting on Monday (June 8), Knoblock and board president Jared Maynard said they support the community effort but could not move forward with a school-sponsored event, citing safety concerns.
“No dress, tuxedo, or limo is worth more than the lives of our students,” Knoblock said. “I would rather there be disappointment than devastation.”
The community prom is scheduled for Friday, June 12, at the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens.
Organizers are coordinating security with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and a private security firm.
A GoFundMe has also been started to support the event.
“This is a true testament to what it means to live in a community and have a community come to action to be able to find common ground,” King said.