Senior pranks throughout the years; the good and the ugly

It can be difficult to balance humor and safety when planning a senior prank, and a few graduating classes from the past have been successful. Every prankster involved always runs the risk of getting a suspension, but the penalty will vary depending on the extent of the gag.

The class of 2013 was an extremely memorable year for many, because their prank was planned smoothly and executed well. One day the entire school arrived to find seniors walking onto school grounds in a large group – many with their favorite pets on their heels.

Anything from leashed dogs to tiny turtles in salad boxes from the cafeteria could be found across campus. People weren’t frowning over the prank, they were smiling at all of the little and big creatures excitedly greeting one another.

Every senior who brought a pet with them to school was sent home to drop them off and return to campus. Their punishment was not severe, and most cooperated when they were told to return their pets.

Last year’s senior class also carried out a comical prank when they set up a water slide on the terrace and started to slide around. They layered body paint on the slide, so everyone who slid across got up on the other side covered in color.

The people involved were smiling, and administration was not upset. This was not damaging or malicious, and students involved brought towels so that they could sit at the desks.

“If it’s not gonna hurt somebody or be malicious or tear stuff up –  there’s been some where we just sat there and kind of chuckled – they’re harmless,” assistant principal Joe Greene said.

The success of a prank truly depends on its level of respect and sense of humor. When a prank is lacking these two qualities, the results are often disastrous.

While many pranks can bring a sense of humor to an otherwise stressful time of year, some have crossed a line into disrespectful, downright foul territory.

When seniors decide to carry out pranks that damage property or bring danger onto school grounds, the punishment gets harsher. Suspensions are handed out, the threat of not walking at graduation is brought up, and sometimes even the police become involved.

The class of 2014 had perhaps the most unforgettable pranks – and not in a good way.

Students who took part would eat a banana and then chug some 7-Up. This fast intake of food would overfill the stomach and cause them to vomit.

Administration quickly caught on, telling teachers to stop students from eating a banana before they could have the chance. A few stragglers made it through, standing out in the hall with their hands on their knees trying desperately to become part of the prank.

In the same year, another prank was undertaken which involved graffiti on the buses and a welded gate at the bus barn. This occurred overnight, and administration started to investigate the act. It was no longer a simple prank – it had become an act of vandalism.

This year also took a downward turn when a few individuals came overnight and made a mess. On top of TP-ing the campus, they painted an inappropriate picture onto the football field. Clean up is planned for next week, but the cost has not yet been determined. Administration did not take this as a lighthearted prank, as it was malicious and damaged property. They are, therefore, offering a reward for information regarding the occurrence.

Balancing a prank between being amusing and breaking the law is a dangerous risk, and one that nearly every graduating class has taken. Few came out the other side successful, and those that did not were faced with a punishment fitting the crime.