Editorial – Enough excuses – make it happen.
It was over the weekend that Today’s Northumberland first heard that Cobourg Collegiate Institute (CCI) wasn’t having a prom parade.
A few people posted comments below the article about St. Mary Catholic Secondary School’s (SMCSS) prom parade that was held on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Taking photos and video of the event – it was beautiful.
Proud students dressed the way they wanted; riding in the style they wanted. There was a variety of different modes of transportation including, luxurious cars, a tractor and even a off-road vehicle.
Of course, there were many family cars – it just didn’t matter.
Today’s Northumberland held back commenting, until we confirmed what was going to happen at CCI.
After approximately 35-years of having a prom parade (minus the COVID years) there won’t be one this year.
The prom parade first started at Cobourg District Collegiate Institute – West, then followed by the East and SMCSS.
When the West and East high schools combined it continued at CCI and SMCSS.
It’s astounding and absurd to not have one.
Merely excuses by the people who have made the decision.
And poor ones at that.
“My dog ate my homework,” would sound more reasonable.
And believable.
So, let’s try and decipher the letter that was sent to parents by Jamie Patenall, Principal of CCI.
The principal explains “we understand the significance and excitement surrounding this special occasion for students.”
Which is basically a buildup, for a let down which comes in the next sentence.
“Earlier this month, we explained to students why school staff would not be organizing an external vehicle parade to the school – and we would like to recap some of the background information related (to) this decision.”
In a nutshell, this means that the feces has hit the fan and whoever made the decision or as the principal refers, “we” are trying their best to do damage control given the number of social media posts the past few days.
CCI does have a large graduating class with potentially 380 prom attendees.
Patenall states it would take three to four hours for the duration of the parade.
Yet the prom parade on Saturday for SMCSS students which had approximately 200 students only lasted an hour. From approximately 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
If CCI has double the number, by logic it would take two hours. And that’s if everyone participated, which has never been mandatory.
When Patenall states, “there would be significant traffic congestion that would impact a major intersection,” we aren’t really sure what he is referring too.
The CCI prom is being held at the Cobourg Community Centre which is a perfect venue.
With the new Kerr Street extension starting at D’Arcy Street and heading west, it would be perfect for a road closure north of D’Arcy Street until the prom parade is over.
Given the firehall is on Elgin Street, if a emergency were to happen on D’Arcy Street, the firetrucks would be traveling south, not north and would not conflict with the parade.
Patenall states there would be road closures and a “extensive policing presence required.”
The Cobourg Police Service has a plethora of Special Constables, and Auxiliary officers to compliment police.
Patenall said safety is the top priority of the students which is what it should be. In the 35-years if prom parades there has never been a injury that I can remember – ever.
Safety is paramount and under more control than it ever has been.
The vehicles travel slower than a funeral procession. Going out on a limb, I’ll say D’Arcy Street is a lot more safe than likely one of the fastest streets in town which would be William Street when SMCSS had their prom parade. No one was hurt during their prom parade except for face muscles from all the smiles of students, parents and friends.
“It would be extremely difficult to safely control this many vehicles and people, creating a significant security risk,” states Patenall.
Someone should inform the principal this isn’t a race course.
Never have I smelled burning rubber along any of the routes.
To top it off, Patenall calls into question student behaviour stating, “without sufficient monitoring and enforcement of traffic regulations and student behaviour and conduct, this poses a critical safety concern to students and the community.”
Poppycock.
The letter makes it sound like Motley Crue will be appearing. I shudder to think if the students can’t control themselves along a route with their parents and community watching what will it be like when you have 380 students in one room, during the event.
Sounds like total anarchy. I do have faith that our future leaders of tomorrow will control themselves along a parade route or during the prom. Maybe the principal needs to have a bit of faith in his students.
The letter states that early on Cobourg Police Service shared the same issues.
If we can’t close a road for approximately two-hours to have a parade for the students who have been through so much. It’s going to be disappointing at Christmas and Canada Day when police cancel those parades. People are on floats with their feet hanging over the sides. People walking alongside the floats.
With the prom parade, students stay in their vehicles until they reach their destination. At that point they get out of the vehicle and walk down the red carpet to be announced.
In his final comment, Patenall says that, “prom parades place unnecessary pressure on students to arrange fancy/extravagant transportation to the event, reinforcing a divide between students who chose to, or are able to, participate in the parade and those who do not.”
Are you serious?
In this town we have people who would help others at the drop of a hat.
With the contacts most people have, I’m positive this town and the people in it would assure that anyone who wishes to attend in a vehicle would. Patenall should understand. It’s not about the vehicle – it’s about the tradition. Sharing memories, dressing up, and hopping into whatever type of vehicle, shopping cart, golf cart or even skateboard that they choose.
It’s about camaraderie of people you’ve known throughout the high school years.
A reminder, there has never been one accident in my memory since the prom parades started.
Could it happen – of course and a plane could also fall from the sky.
Take away the tradition of the prom parade and what will they take away next – dancing?
(Footloose)
After all, you could twist an ankle.
Patenall ends the letter by saying “(we) wish everyone a safe and enjoyable prom celebration..”
That, Mr. Patenall depends on if you bring back the parade and let the students smile.
If the students and parents want a prom parade – make it happen.
Enough of the excuses and have faith in our future generation.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
