Editor:

The front page of the Brentwood Press, about the 2012 senior class prank at Heritage HS, was a bit of a shock and so disappointing to read!

I truly believe that the Heritage officials acted most appropriately in the given situation. On the other hand, I do not agree with the parents who took legal action on behalf of their teenagers. I empathize with the parents and how disappointed they must feel, truly I do. Maybe some of these parents were completely involved with their son’s or daughter’s education throughout HS; maybe some parents were not as involved or could not be for various reasons.

Needless to say, bailing their child out of such a situation is giving that teenager the wrong message. Parents who refuse to let their children experience failure or sadness give them a false view of the world and do not prepare them for the harsh realities of adult life. As for the students, they showed no respect, not just to the school or community, but no respect for their own parents. That lack of respect demonstrates a student’s rejection of their parents, school administrators, the community and fellow classmates’ support.

Cleaning up the mess that was created by the students and apologizing were good steps in the right direction of taking the responsibility for their actions. Now, the students must own up to the consequences and responsibilities of their actions, not just that they learn from this experience but demonstrate to others that are to follow.

Yes, things got out of hand, but as a senior, one should have thought it through more critically. As an example to underclassmates, the seniors could have demonstrated an action that would be remembered for years to come. Liberty HS students, along with the Rotary Club of Brentwood, worked together to create interactive playground in the quad area at Garin Elementary School.

What a role model these HS students are for the students at Garin! Is the only thing Heritage HS students could come up with chaining a live innocent lamb to a pole and splattering red paint around it and parts of the campus? To make it look like what, may I ask? What sort of statement was the class of 2012 Heritage students making to the community? One being that innocent blood will be shed? This is the legacy you want to contribute to the community of Brentwood? This is what you want to contribute to the world?

Yes, senior pranks have been around for decades and will continue. Heck, that’s one of the bonuses of being a senior. Pranks are usually meant for the teachers and various other administrative staff. It’s a practical joke that is typically unexpected and a good chuckle for everyone. Instead, the class of 2012 will always be remembered for leaving behind red stains on the campus and images of a live animal changed to a pole. By no means is this so-called “prank” a laughing matter. As a citizen of this community I cannot laugh either.

Think, Heritage seniors, think! This is what you have learned in your four years of HS? This is what you have accomplished throughout all your educational years? This is what you leave behind and can be so proud of? This is what you give back to the community that has supported you?

I guess this will be one summer you never forget. Maybe, just maybe, the class of 2012 could reach out to the community in friendship and encourage the lonely; energize the weary. Maybe the class of 2012 can truly make a difference!

Gail Miller, Brentwood