Walking past the rotunda after first period there was a strange and eerie emptiness in the middle. Suddenly, out of no where, a light blue water balloon fell down from the sky and splashed onto the floor, soaking those standing too close. This was part of a prank pulled by seniors that caused extreme consequences for everyone involved, and even those who weren’t.
This year’s senior pranks have gotten multiple students suspended including seniors Hunter Main, Spencer Jones, Miguel Salgado, Reagan Wray, Josh Smith, and Miguel Ceballos. Although suspended, Jones feels that his prank involvement was worth it.
“I support senior pranking. Senior pranks have been a part of the high school experience for forever,” said Jones.
While Jones along with the others who got suspended participated in un-approved pranks such as stink bombs, water balloons, and baby powder, senior Adam Bowlin was a creator and a participant in multiple approved pranks. Although Bowlin did not participate in the un-approved pranks he still supports the seniors who did.
“I was surprised that they actually did it because I knew that they would get suspended and stuff but I was proud of them,” said Bowlin.
Main’s prank was labeled insubordination and disruption of school upon his referral.
“From the start I didn’t think I would get away clean. There’s no way somebody can walk through the entire school spraying stuff without being noticed,” said Main.
In result of Main’s prank he received three days of out of school suspension. He will still be able to walk at graduation and attend prom.
“It’s not really a punishment. It gave me three free days to do whatever I want. It’s like giving me a five day weekend. The only downside is that I’m missing out on my last days as a senior at Har-Ber High School,” said Main.
Although seniors like Bowlin don’t see what the big deal about the pranks are, chemistry teachers Brandi Wise and Lynsey Reynolds are tired of the disruption.
“I am just tired of hearing about it,” said Mrs. Reynolds.
At the beginning of the year at the senior class meeting, the administration made it clear to seniors that they were going to review pranks and allow those which they found suitable.
“Approval of pranks just depends. The limits are anything that effects safety or disrupts classroom instruction,” said senior principal Shannon Tisher.
Events that took place on Monday included the slip and slide and ballooning of the office. They were approved pranks that some staff members joined in on, including Officer Wooten.
“On Monday when we had the slip and slide and some of the other activities that were approved, it was a lot of fun,” said Mrs. Tisher.
While Monday’s pranks were approved and fun for some of the staff, Tuesdays pranks including water balloons being thrown which hit football coach Dawn Struebing, caused disruption throughout the school. Although rumors were spread that he was very angry about what occurred that day, Coach Struebing was simply surprised that he got hit.
“I was just shocked when it happened. I was watching all these water balloons go off and then all the sudden bang I get hit by one and I never saw it coming. It was hurled from a pretty good distance away and it basically felt like getting hit in the chest by a soccer ball,” said Coach Struebing.
Although he is not holding a grudge over the water balloon hitting him, Coach Struebing was aggravated that he could not fully do the duties that Dr.Brackett had asked of him and other teachers in regards to this week.
“Here’s the deal, about a week and a half ago Dr. Brackett had sent me a text asking me and several other teachers close to the rotunda that said ‘hey during passing periods lets be vigilant and get out there and see what’s going on.’ By the time I figured out what was going, one man was not about to be able to stop that you know. But yeah, I mean, I understand it’s a prank and all but when your boss asks you to try to stop these things from going on you quickly realize hey, it’s out of control. You’re mad because something that you have been asked to supress happened,” said Coach Struebing.
Teachers such as EAST teacher Debbie Lamb find a person’s first impression and last impression to be most important and feels that seniors should make a positive difference instead of wasting their last days pranking.
“I always think that when seniors graduate I want to remember them in a positive way. I think that they can make so much better use of their time to make a difference, to leave memories, and to be leaders,” said Mrs. Lamb.
