Adults jeopardize Cairo prom

By Carl Riley

CAIRO, Ill. -- Cairo High School held its 2002 junior-senior prom on May 4 at the Cairo Cavalier Club. Because of the work stoppage experienced by the Cairo School District, the success of the prom was left in the hands of students, teacher's aides, administrative personnel, parents and volunteers. Working in a collaborative and cooperative fashion, this group did a fantastic job of planning, decorating and conducting the gala affair. The Cavalier Club was transformed into a magnificent, dream-like castle.

Thanks to the combined efforts of students, staff, parent, chaperones and volunteers, Cairo's juniors and seniors have memories to treasure for years to come. The behavior and conduct of the prom goers were outstanding, the food was excellent and the efforts paid off. A salute and vote of thanks to all who contributed so positively to the event.

However, the event was marred by the behavior and misconduct of area residents. Parents, grandparents, relatives and acquaintances of the prom goers conducted themselves extremely inappropriately. They formed a mob-like crowd outside the club, stopped vehicles in the streets, blocked traffic, gathered in the streets and on the sidewalks and added such a negative atmosphere to the occasion that proms in the future could be eliminated.

The street in front of the club was lined with people for more than a block on both sides, gawking and staring as if there was a parade or other spectator affair. Automobiles were parked at various angles both along the curbs and in the street, taking away spaces and traffic routes for the prom goers.

Youngsters followed the lead of adults and blocked the sidewalk with bicycles. Crowds loitered in front of the entrance to the club.

One person even used a chair to hold open the door of the air-conditioned building and sat in the chair. It was necessary for the principal to assume a policeman's role to restore the flow of traffic and to prevent automobile accidents and bodily injuries.

One adult woman stayed at the affair, mistakenly thought to be a chaperone, just to load up with boxes of food remaining after the prom goers had eaten.

As principal, I suggest that parents who desire pictures of their youngsters should take said pictures prior to the students' leaving for the event. Additionally, a professional photographer is available at the prom to capture the memorable event on film.

Please be advised that behavior and conduct as described above will not be tolerated in the future. The only individuals who will be allowed to enter the doors will be the students, invited guests, school personnel and designated chaperones and volunteers.

As adults, we need to be positive role models for our youngsters. It appears we have a very large number of adult-aged residents who would rather stand on their heads and do wrong than relax in a recliner and do right.

Here at CHS we strive to have a first-class school in every respect. Without the cooperation and support of patrons and residents, we cannot accomplish this goal. Please decide today to help us to solve this problem instead of being the problem.

Carl Riley is the principal of Cairo High School.