Forgive my language, but it seems like too many senior pranks this year revolved around shit. Cow manure, chicken feces, and, in one case, even elephant dung were spread around American high schools by graduating seniors, who were just trying to be funny. They weren't -- though the elephant manure did sort of raise the bar for originality.

That is why the senior prank at Montpelier High School in Vermont is such an exceptional one. A group of kids broke into school over the weekend and painted a mural on the lobby ceiling (a picture is included with the article). And the official reaction to the prank is one that demonstrates that administrators can exercise common sense and common decency in carrying out their responsibilities.

A Montpelier High School senior prank turned out to be as beautiful as it is clever, leaving school administrators uncertain how to react to an uncommissioned large celestial ceiling mural.

The mural, a painting of swirling clouds, stars and a sun in the sky, was apparently done Tuesday morning from midnight to 4 a.m. in the main lobby, Principal Peter Evans said. School administration is unsure how students entered the building, because there appears there was no forced entry.

Evans said when he returned to school on Tuesday after the holiday weekend, he looked up at the mural on the lobby ceiling and thought it was an art class project. He soon learned that it was the Montpelier High School class of 2005's senior prank, a tradition that has had a more troublesome impact on the school. About 170 ceiling tiles were painted, he said.

"In this position we try to figure out how to deal with a case of vandalism that's really quite beautiful," Evans said.

In previous years, the departing class took books off of library shelves, piled snow in front of entrances, and even brought a portable toilet into the school, Evans said. This year's prank is reflective of the graduating class, Evans said, because they are creative and often challenge school administration to think about what is right and wrong.

No criminal charges will be filed. No disciplinary action will be taken. The administration will leave the mural in place as a permanent piece of public art, and a lasting memory to the class of 2005 -- a bunch of kids whose senior prank was beautifying their school, not vandalizing it.

And by the way, the Class of 2005 may well have started a new tradition. Administrators are using a little bit of common sense,a nd looking to build upon this unique act of vandalism.

Evans said he wants to have a discussion with the junior class to ask what they would like to do for their "senior legacy project," trying to make leaving a class's mark on the school a positive thing.

"There's a fine line between how do we have expectations that are high in terms of behavior and at the same time recognize the phenomenal creative ability kids have," Evans said.

My hat is off to you, Mr. Evans.

No shit!

Posted by: Greg at 02:47 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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