People in the Amherst community are quite familiar with the tradition of the senior prank. It happens at the same time every year and is a delight to the students – or at the very least, the senior who pulled the prank. But how do the teachers feel about the tradition? Their answers might surprise you.
Throughout the many years our Amherst school teachers have been wandering the Earth, a surprising amount of them didn’t pull a senior prank. You may think that’s lame (it is), but sometimes people just don’t. However, our teachers have certainly seen their fair share of pranks.
“When I was in high school, the neighboring town put a deer carcass in their swimming pool,” said Principal Mike Klieforth.
However, that prank was when Klieforth was in high school. Our teachers have had their share of pranks while working at Amherst, too. Teachers work for more than three years? Who knew! This one from math teacher Shaun Anderson really highlights how time really brings people together.
“A few years ago, there was a prank where a group of seniors hid zoo animal toys which had labels to bring back to my classroom. Students, teachers, and other staff members would find these toys and bring them to me. I thought it was fun.” Did I say time? I meant pranks.
Pranks are the ultimate connection, but sometimes they can go too far. Like gluing thumb tacks to a toilet seat, or that one YouTube video of some guy’s girlfriend hiding his wheelchair from him. Some teachers think it should be regulated to make it more safe for fellow students and staff, but Steven Swan provides an interesting perspective against regulating.
“Regulating it sounds like no fun – but we need kids to be smart and responsible,” Swan said. “Get creative, do something fun and funny, don’t ruin anything, and I’m all for it! You have so much history with these classmates from the last 12 years. I think it’s cool to try to leave some sort of fun memory of yourself in this place that helped shape you.” Breathtaking. My tears are actively frying the school computer as I type this.
Opinions vary around a multitude of things: Senior pranks, teachers, students, and a whole lot more out of our local area. Despite the fact that I only gave teacher opinions here, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have a voice as a student. Although you may still be in school, and may not be considered an adult, that is no reason for you not to voice your opinions. So, what are your thoughts on senior pranks?
