Once a simple, well accepted tradition, spray painting Baltimore Road, has gone up in flames as students from the class of 2009 induce smoke around the ritual by going overboard with the decorations. Every year for the past 40 years, the senior classes have promoted themselves as well as school pride. “As a senior, I was excited to what had been done to the road, it just brings up so much pride within,” said Walteara Caudle. No one could have imagined the extent of this year’s senior prank. This was such a different year due to the damage and nature of the prank.

Besides the school spirited drawings, a nearby synagogue was also vandalized with swastikas. Such destruction of property is against the law. The Rockville City Police had to get in on the investigation. Through tips, approximately 20 seniors have been punished. On top of a three day suspension, the involved seniors will also be denied homecoming privileges.

The weeklong celebration is especially important to seniors because it is the last time they will be able to express class pride and experience homecoming. Seniors involved in the defacement of this area will be denied participation of homecoming spirit days, the pep rally, the game, and actual homecoming dance, which is the only winter dance that RHS hosts.

“While I am disappointed in the students who were involved, I praise the vast majority of students in the Class of 09 who did not participate and came to school on Tuesday ready to learn,” said principal Dr. Debra Munk.

Despite appreciation for responsibility and respect shown by many seniors, as a whole, the senior class is being punished for the prank. As of now, the administration has not yet secured a location for senior banquet. The whole staff will be paying particular attention to the senior class because of the start to the year.

At an assembly to discuss the events of the prank, the senior class decided to start the tradition of wearing school colors every Friday to promote class and school pride. Said SGA president, Darryle Nditafon, “We must move on and do our best to show our school spirit in a more positive manner.”