Seniors apologize for vandalism

What was supposed to be a senior prank at Paonia High School last Monday night turned into an offensive event for the entire school.

Typically right before graduation as a fun prank, Paonia seniors come into the school, throw some confetti and move furniture around.

But last week, according to Bill Carlquist, spokesperson for the Delta County School District, three seniors went too far. A hallway mural was painted with initials, a white board was also painted and oil was poured on a floor.

The mural was previously scheduled to be covered this summer so the student council and art classes could create a new one next school year.

The three seniors responsible for the damage will pay restitution. Senior class funds will also be used toward clean up. The scheduled senior graduation party was not allowed to take place on school property. The entire senior class apologized to the staff and the student body.

Principal Randall Palmer met with parents. Palmer also told the junior class what is expected of them next year so this kind of an incident will not be repeated.

Carlquist said the incident was "definitely a prank" and the majority of the students handled the prank appropriately and did not damage school property. Clean up costs aren't significant.

Scott Leon, Paonia police chief, said the police were notified about the vandalism but that the school wanted to handle the incident internally. Leon did review a letter left at the school by a student directed at a teacher. The police are seeking legal advice about whether the contents of the letter constitute harassment. According to Leon, as of last week the teacher wanted the police to file charges against the student.

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