Students protest punishment for senior prank

A group of 20 seniors and their parents plan to protest at the next school board meeting Tuesday
April 14, to object the principals decision on their punishment for their senior prank by speaking during
the public forum.
Principal Vinita Haygood warned the seniors since the beginning of the school year that she
would not tolerate any prank that disrupts class.
Releasing more than 1,000 balloons between classes does precisely that [disrupts class],
Haygood says. Students were late to class because of the chaos created in the hallway.
The balloons were filled with air, and most were popped before second period started.
We didnt vandalize anything, senior Ruby Kanur said We didnt hurt anyone. We blew up a
few balloons and released them. It wasnt a big deal, but Principal Haygood is turning it into one.
The seniors brought garbage bags full of balloons to school, ripped the bags open and ran around
the hallways of the school.
These kids have worked hard for 12 years, Rubys Mother Milly Kanur said. They deserve a
little fun.
The students thought out their prank responsibly and were careful, they checked to make sure no
one had a latex allergy, so no one would be harmed in the prank.
The halls were a mess, Haygood said And the noise levels were off the charts. I stand by my
decision.
The school logged 150 tardies to second period, students were not focused and it took extra time
to calm them down.
The hallways were chaotic and super loud during the balloon were release, Math Teacher Grace
Killen says The seniors didnt mean any harm, but the prank was disruptive.