Teen Told Her Marine Fiance Can’t Attend Ball

The Waterloo Central School District in Upstate New York is not allowing a senior to attend her ball with her fiance – a Marine who is about to be deployed to Afghanistan.

This post is a call to action for all readers please.

Shawna Excell – an 18 year old Senior at the Waterloo High School was all set for a great evening with her fiance, 20 year old U.S. Marine Cody Stahl. But now she’s been told that will not happen. Making matters worse, the Principal of the High School, Mr. J. Clingerman, says there is nothing he can do. Not only is the Principal not taking a stand but School Board Members are also refusing to take action even after a petition was presented to them about the situation.

This young bride-to-be had the evening planned with her fiance before he deploys to Afghanistan. She has a brand new dress, a limo and plans of Marine Stahl to accompany her in his dress blues to the March 3rd, 2012 event planned for Ventosa Vineyards in Geneva, New York.

Call The School District & High School Principal

In a society that boldly declares – when it’s appropriate – that they stand behind and support our troops, this is an example of a School District that needs a wake up call. An 18 year old making plans with her 20 year old fiance for a night to remember before he deploys is told no it won’t happen. Excell say since Cody is deploying he will not be able to attend her graduation. So they were making the Senior Ball a celebration before he leaves for Afghanistan. Last year the district allowed students to take any guest under the age of 21 as long as they were pre-approved. However, this year the policy changed for some reason and now the School District “prohibits students from taking non-Waterloo graduates as guests to dances”.

While I’m sure the School District has it’s reasons for the rule, in this case – where it’s a U.S. Marine preparing for deployment to defend the country – an exception should be made. 

In another interesting twist in this story. Principal J. Clingerman and Superintendent Terry MacNabb are refusing to take phone calls from media asking them about the situation. Apparently these school officials only give lip service to those who defend their freedom to hide behind desks and secretaries who field their calls.

This situation is wrong and the Principal and Superintendent need to know they are making a bad decision. Please call them and let them know they are being cowards.

I’ll make it easy for you to call. Here’s the phone number to reach Superintendent MacNabb and Principal Clingerman. Pick up the phone now and call both of these men and tell them you are not pleased with their decision.

Superintendent Terry MacNabb
Waterloo Central School District
315.539.1500

Principal J. Clingerman can be reached at the same phone number. 315.539.1500.

Call these two men and encourage them to do the right thing.

Supporting our troops,

Dr. Rus