Update on Nathan Warmak

[Ugly Bear]

Like I ssaid before, I strongly supect the the principal would have been more sympathetic had Nathan been "kitted out" properly, I think its disgraceful how Principal McClard has been turned into a sneering pantomime villain, And to be honest if Nathan had turned up at a dance in Scotland organised by myself, I would have offered him advice, perhaps mrs Warmac will confirm if the Principal indeed called Nathan a "clown" and for what reason?

Anytime the principal wants to let his side of the story be known, he can do so. Easily. He has people waiting for his side of the story. Since he has said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN OVER A MONTH on the matter, I will assume that Nathan's account is accurate.

Again, h_d, you do not seem to understand the nature of a non-prom dance in the USA. They are not formal affairs. It wasn't how the kilt was being worn, it wasn't how the kilt was accessorized, it was THE KILT ITSELF that the principal overreacted to. His overreaction is why he has been turned into a "sneering pantomime." His continuing silence reinforces that image.

If you have a theory as to why the principal remains silent when he could rationally explain his very good, persuasive, intelligent reasoning behind having Nathan change out of his kilt, rather than keep that reasoning to himself for week after week, thus forcing people to speculate as to his reasoning ... if you have a theory, by all means share that theory with us.

Please. Do share.

[royce52]

Like I ssaid before, I strongly supect the the principal would have been more sympathetic had Nathan been "kitted out" properly, I think its disgraceful how Principal McClard has been turned into a sneering pantomime villain, And to be honest if Nathan had turned up at a dance in Scotland organised by myself, I would have offered him advice, perhaps mrs Warmac will confirm if the Principal indeed called Nathan a "clown" and for what reason?.

I would never condone or attend an event that specifically requested that the kilt is NOT to be worn , but I cant help thinking that the principals objections relate the the manner of the wearing of it rather than the Kilt itself. I hope that all the MSPS who are being incivted to object get to see the initial photo of Nathan before making thier minds up.

As for the latest pic I think that its unfortunate that this pic is being used it really is not a good representation of how the Kilt should be worn

Good luck to Nathan and his parents, anything that furthers Scots culture is a good thing but lets be a bit more objective and bear in mind that the Principal is human as well and doesnt deserve to be crucified.

Can't agree with any of your logic here. This was a small town "semi-formal" dance. Dress was correct for the occasion. Which leaves only the kilt as the issue. McClard's only public statement was the he "didn't remember saying that"....translation..."Damn,,,,wish I hadn't said that". If he was being misquoted he would have come back with his teeth and claws at the ready. His refusal to communicate with Anyone,,,leaves him condemned by his won silence.
I do feel at least a shred of peity for him. He made a very bad choice on the spur of the moment,,,and now he doesn't have the strength of character to make a dignifed retreat.

R

[pmack]

Nathan has wanted a kilt for several years but until we felt he understood what it represented we wouldn't let him have it. He went out that evening with his date and friends to Applebee's before the dance and everyone loved how he looked. The bought the group sodas because of it. Nathan was extremely proud to wear his kilt. As we are proud of his interest in his heritage. :smile:

[highlander_Daz]

I agree Bear 100% -principal Mc Clard should make a statement stating specifically why he objected to Natans dress, Then it would prevent all this speculation.

I can only give an opinion on how the kilt would be worn at a function here, and its think its relevent, because people look to Scotland for "guidance?" in matters of highland dress. And to be Frank I would suggest that Nathan go and remove his boots in favour of proper hose and shoes, and obtain a sporran -Like Hamish said who attends a dance wearing boots?
Ive no idea of the dress code for a silver arrow dance, however It looks like a mish mash of informal at the bottom and formal at the top. and to me that makes no sense, Im simply giveing a Scots perspective.

Royce -if you think what Nathan was wearing was appropriate for a semi formal dance then Im sorry I must disagree, again who wears boots to a dance?
If you were to attend a semi formal dance in Scotland (and Nathan is hounoring his Scots roots-and rightly so I might add) then Im sorry to say the lad would be innapropriatly dressed, However I wouldnt turn him away I would ensure he was kitted out properly as the members of clan Gunn are doing- and thats great.

If Nathan reads this, Im not criticising him in any way, but just want to say that when you wear the Kilt its a very heavy resposibility for Scots and people of Scots descent to wear it with pride (which im sure you did) but also as its worn in Scotland with the correct accesories and hose.
Id like to congratulate this young man on honouring his ancesters and taking the bold step to be a little different.

Best wishes and good luck from Scotland.

[royce52]

I agree Bear 100% -principal Mc Clard should make a statement stating specifically why he objected to Natans dress, Then it would prevent all this speculation.

Royce -if you think what Nathan was wearing was appropriate for a semi formal dance then Im sorry I must disagree, again who wears boots to a dance?
If you were to attend a semi formal dance in Scotland (and Nathan is hounoring his Scots roots-and rightly so I might add) then Im sorry to say the lad would be innapropriatly dressed, However I wouldnt turn him away I would ensure he was kitted out properly as the members of clan Gunn are doing- and thats great.


Best wishes and good luck from Scotland.

Daz,,,we have full respect for your opinions,,but may disagree slightly at times. That's called a free exchange of ideas. Wonderful thing that, you can learn all sorts of stuff that way.
The Gunns thank you for you kind words, but we at best just started the ball rolling. Seems to have turned into an avalanche now.
As it stands at this point, the laddie can, if permitted, attend this Senior Prom (Formal) kitted out better than most of us that have been involved for years. Only thing he is lacking at this point is some heather scented shower soap....

Royce

[highlander_Daz]

Indeed Royce wouldnt life be boring if everyone agreed all the time!!

well to to Clan Gunn from a proud Cameron -we must look after our own

best wishes to Nathan and Family, Heritage matters !!

Be safe Daz

[royce52]

Indeed Royce wouldnt life be boring if everyone agreed all the time!!

well to to Clan Gunn from a proud Cameron -we must look after our own

best wishes to Nathan and Family, Heritage matters !!

Be safe Daz

The English found to their cost that although we spent a lot of time fighting each other,,,picking a fight with one Scot usually got the whole pack on your trail.

R

[Livingston]

Exactly. The photographer just told him to put his kilt on & Nathan wanted to know if he should put on what he wore to the dance & he said no just the kilt. But donations have been made for Nathan to have his whole Scottish formal wear & he is looking forward to it. As a football player these guys don't have time to work during that time of year & Nathan's last game was on Nov. 4th so he purchased what he could. And yes this is Nathan's mother.

First, Mrs. Warmack, welcome to our little but growing part of the web.

As a former photographer, I feel he should have asked Nathen to dress as he was for the dance, I would have. By just having him put on the kilt as in the photo above, he tends to lend credence to Principal McClard's statement instead of reporting the truth.

Daz, Not knowing how school dances are there in Scotland I'll just make a few statements about here in the Colonies. The dress codes in schools have been greatly relaxed since I was in high school in the mid 60's. At that time, ANY dance other than a sock hop required slacks, dress shirt, coat and tie for the guys. Now, they are lucky if the students show up with a dress shirt instead of a t-shirt and pressed jeans. A tie?? good luck! Boots have become so common that many students don't own a pair of shoes, unless they are Nikes or Addidas. At this point I don't remember the original picture but I would bet he had at least polished his boots if not gotten them to shine. So, compared to what could have been, he was almost "formal". No, I don't think he was semi-formal or even business casual as it used to be defined. But, I'm sure he made the best impression on the other students with his attire.

Ah for the good old days of REAL semi and formal dances at schools!! (I think )

[Sherry]

Nathan will need to join this board for good advice on wearing all the pieces he is getting. Even a group in Scotland has sent him a box of gifts. He is getting that "So You're Going..." book. I prefer Matt's book, I think, but it'll be good for formal occassions.

Welcome, Mrs. W.!

[kiltimabar]

I join in welcoming Mrs. Warmack to the board, and I hope it can lead to illuminating a few points that seem to have been overlooked.

How did the other students at the dance react to Nathan's kilt at the time, and how is the current world-wide publicity being regarded at the school?

How are Nathan and the principal getting along these days?

I'm sure all of us will enjoy getting the "inside story" to supplement our own speculations and opinions.