Martin County high school students were not permitted to have a Senior Prom this year. The Superintendent decided that the coronavirus was too prevalent to risk a gathering of students to celebrate their years together growing up. It was a decision that rose to the level of anger and frustration for these students.
They took matters into their own hands, and made it happen. A very industrious Eduardo Diaz took it upon himself to create a night that his fellow classmates would remember; not just for his school, South Fork, but all of the high schools in Martin County.
Along the way, they were met with obstacle after obstacle, including opposition from parents, teachers, and other students. These folks called venues that the students were in discussions with and pressured them not to allow the students to use their facilities. Teachers openly spoke out against Eddie and his classmates throughout this planning.
Ultimately, the County rented them the Mansion at Tuckahoe for the full price. In addition, they had them sign waivers holding the County harmless from any liability. Once the students started signing and returning the waivers, they added another roadblock; the waivers had to be notarized!
At the March 23 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, I asked the Commissioners why the students were expected to have these waivers notarized, and why weren’t they told upfront. The County Administrator answered my question. It wasn’t satisfactory. In short, she told the room that once the students made their event “public,” waivers had to be notarized. I am glad that this exchange was on the public record, and that they were exposed for their part in trying to spoil such a momentous occasion.
County overreach is becoming more and more the normal behavior. We need to step up and push back! I volunteered to chaperone this event, and I couldn’t be prouder of these young adults. Eddie showed them that their diligence, perseverance, and hard work can pay off.
Teach your children well!
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