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Clintondale cancels prom amid active investigation; community rapidly organizes alternate dance
Summary
Clintondale Community Schools canceled its CHS prom after officials said a threat remained an active law‑enforcement investigation; students who bought tickets will be refunded and community groups organized an independent prom at the Anton Art Center with donated security, catering and volunteer services.
Clintondale Community Schools announced June 8 that it will not reschedule the high‑school prom because the situation that prompted the cancellation remains an active law‑enforcement investigation. Interim Superintendent Kevin Knoblock said the district is treating the threat as credible, has no timeline for the investigation and will refund ticket purchasers. "The safety and well‑being of our students will always remain the highest priority," he told the board.
Community volunteers moved quickly to offer an alternative. Shannon King, a Clinton Township resident and organizer, told the board the community‑run event is scheduled for June 12 at the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens and will be free or low‑cost for students. Organizers said local businesses and neighborhood groups donated space, catering, desserts and other services; AAA Insurance and other donors provided funds to cover venue costs. Several community members and alumni offered logistics and staffing: volunteers will serve as chaperones, barbers and stylists are providing services for students, and local businesses will provide transportation and decorations.
Security measures were a central part of planning. Organizer Marlon Collier said the event will contract a professional security firm and will coordinate with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office for additional support. "We will have perimeter security, monitored entrances and chaperones in attendance," Collier told the board during the public‑comment period.
Board members praised the volunteer effort while reiterating the district’s position that community events are independent of the school. Knoblock said district staff will support communication about refunds and will maintain senior communications channels for ticket reimbursement instructions. Organizers said they would publish event details and volunteer sign‑ups via social media and direct outreach to class officers.
Next steps: the district will complete refund processing for ticket buyers and continue to coordinate with law enforcement. Community organizers said they would continue outreach and encouraged students to register via the event’s social channels.
