To the editor,
Has this small-town community has lost its sense of community?
My cousins grew up in the small town of Clearwater, B.C., with a population of 2,000. I spent a summer there as a teenager and felt a sense of community unlike any I’d felt living in “the city.”
My older cousins had just graduated and shared stories of their celebration: families enjoyed a sit-down dinner in the decorated gym; a first dance with mom/dad; then parents went on their way while the grads enjoyed a celebration. Most of these kids had gone to school together since kindergarten. Many played together while still in diapers. And then they got to celebrate. Together. Grade 12 graduation! The school that was such an important part of their lives was a place to laugh, eat, and dance the night away. Creating final happy memories they would cherish forever.
Coming from a big city, I always held dear the notion that small towns were like Clearwater.
Fast forward 30 years. I moved my family to the area. With three kids still in school, the memory of that small-town celebration lingered. Imagine my surprise when my son’s Grade 8 graduation was organized, almost secretively, with nearly no school involvement. It was disappointing to know the school was so hands-off.
Now, my eldest has the overwhelming task of planning the prom of her dreams. Her high school principal, for historical reasons he’s not even entirely clear on, has informed her that the school will not be involved in supporting the graduating class nor celebrating this huge milestone in their young lives. No ticket sales. No fundraising. No advertising. Perhaps the odd approved announcement. But otherwise… the students are left on their own to create an event that will mark the biggest celebration of their lives thus far.
Celebrating school with no sign of school there to celebrate.
Shouldn’t the school be supporting their graduates rather than avoiding them? Wouldn’t they want to encourage them as they enter the next phase of life?
Things need to change. Wouldn’t you agree?
Jodie Rogers
Formosa
