A fire started on Camperdown Road, just below our school, shortly after the closing bell.

The cadets were practising their drills when they noticed what was happening. They immediately ran through the gate, down the road and into the burning building. Unknown to any of us, they began lifting furniture from the house and placing them on to the opposite sidewalk.

When they learnt that a woman was in a wheelchair in the back of the house, they went and lifted her out and placed her in a safe place. They continued until they noticed the hose from the gas cylinder burning. The most senior cadet made sure that everyone was out. He then ran out in a nick of time. The cylinder exploded immediately afterwards.

Brave act

This story was related to me after the fact. It was confirmed when I saw the boys with shirts off and very wet. I tried to conceal the reactions I had to the many questions which were now in my mind. They responded without me asking, assuring me that they were trained to deal with emergencies and they wet themselves before going into the house.

This feat by these cadets ought to be lauded by everyone. However, it made me think. What if something, happened to those boys? How would I be judged by their parents, the ministry of education, the school community, the courts and most of all, the society?

I am, etc.,

CYNTHIA P. COOKE

Principal

Camperdown High School