Mount Sentinel school evacuated and graduation cancelled due to 'specific and targeted threat'

A high school near Nelson, B.C., was evacuated and its graduation celebrations cancelled because of a "specific and targeted threat." 

Superintendent Jeff Jones said school officials at South Slocan's Mount Sentinel Secondary School were investigating a student when they found something that made them uncomfortable. 

Officials aren't specifying what that threat is. 

"There was a threat there. It was a specific and targeted threat and we needed to take that very, very seriously," Jones said. 

The school was evacuated on Friday afternoon at 2:45 p.m. PT. Graduation celebrations were postponed after Jones said he consulted with provincial threat risk assessment experts and RCMP. 

"I understand that it's scary. However the threat we received is real and it has been very scary for all of us. And people need to be on alert if they are gathering in groups," Jones said. 

Jones said he understands what kind of blow this is to students and families hoping to celebrate this weekend. However, officials asked students to respect the cancellation and not gather at the school.

Over the weekend, Jones said school officials will consider whether to open on Monday, which is supposed to be the last day of school. They may also reschedule graduation.

Curtis Nickason, father of a Grade 7 student at the school, said parents aren't getting any information and no one is being allowed in the area. 

"There's absolutely nothing. They're keeping so close-mouthed about this," Nickason said. 

Nickason said police also arrived — their cruiser lights flashing — at the end of the school day yesterday.

With files from Bob Keating