Not sure if it is the wisest decision on my part to have my first blog post be about praising a senior prank, but when I read this article I was encouraged by the responsibility shown all around.
Basically seniors at Hampton-Dumont High School recruited responsible classmates, whom they could trust not to do anything destructive, to set up over 13,ooo cups in this room, with seats spelling out 2010. They also left $50 and a note to the custodians thanking them for all their hard work. The students were responsible and made sure the school was not vandalized in the process.
I feel that the school officials also acted responsibly. They notified the police and students were punished with 3 hours of community service, which included repairing football bleachers and painting fire hydrants around town. I feel the punishment fits the crime. Students learn that behaviors have consequences. School officials showed they won’t let anything go, discouraging future events that may be perpetrated by less responsible individuals. The school also learned that there may be some flaws in the way they lock down their building at night.
But the thing that encourages me the most is the fact that the school did not over react. Having been involved in some similar pranks in my younger, less responsible days, I know that not every school uses good judgement in their judgments. In a time where wearing a flag on your shirt to school may get you sent home, I thank officials at Hampton-Dumont High School for their common sense.