Letter promising cavity searches at prom just a prank, St. Viator says

No, St. Viator High School seniors attending prom this weekend won’t be subject to body cavity searches — despite a letter on official stationery stating otherwise.

The unusual notice was the result of a senior prank, which most parents quickly realized, said the Rev. Mick Egan, president of the Catholic school in Arlington Heights.

“Every school across the country has senior pranks,” said Egan, who on Friday emailed senior parents to refute the letter. “We had some parents calling to make sure we were aware it was out there, but everyone seemed to know it was fake.”

Mailed last week to parents of St. Viator seniors on the school’s official 50-year anniversary letterhead, the letter stated illicit materials had been brought to the banquet hall and post-prom cruise in the past, and that checking for contraband in handbags and coat pockets had proved insufficient.

“In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere, there will be mandatory body cavity searches performed before prom, as well as prior to boarding the cruise,” the letter said.

Egan isn’t sure whether the culprit will be punished if ever identified. He said while it’s serious that the responsible party stole school property, the prank was more innocent than the food fight seniors orchestrated a couple of weeks ago.

“That wasn’t as amusing,” Egan said.