Seniors give back to Davis High after pranks

PHOTO: Senior Elena Bock posted on her Instagram story to encourage students to become part of the solution.

By Manpreet Kaur,

BlueDevilHUB.com Editor–

On May 23, a group of Davis High seniors arrived on campus with the intention of continuing the annual tradition of senior pranks, which ultimately resulted in vandalism. Other seniors are responding to the property destruction with plans to rectify the vandals’ misdeeds.

Senior Elena Bock took it upon herself to gather a group of students who wanted the class of 2019 to be known for more than the vandalism created.

On the day the vandalism took place, Bock posted an Instagram story encouraging seniors to step up and take action.

“Let’s let everyone know that we don’t stand by what happened last night. Our class is better than this,” the post read.

After seeing the damage caused to the campus, Bock was not happy. She saw that trees had been cut down and heard that animals were forcibly moved to the gym.

“I felt really disappointed and frustrated” Bock said. “I didn’t want the actions of a few to be representative of the entire senior class, so I really wanted to help make up for it in some way”.

Senior Katie Killmer feels the same way, especially with the incident involving the animals. “Knowing that these innocent animals were put in such a horrible situation against their will didn’t seem fair at all and this act should not go unnoticed,” Killmer said.

As of May 24, Bock received 40 responses from students that are interested in a project that would give back to DHS.

The project involves planting two trees to replace the ones that were cut down, hosting an event that discourages such pranks and writing thank you cards for the staff and administration that had to deal with the aftermath of the vandalism.

Bock created a group chat with all the students involved and plans on making a difference. “I especially want to demonstrate to underclassmen that, as a community, we’re better than this and we won’t stand for such  behavior — not now, and not ever,” Bock said.

Senior Dayanara Manorek joined Bock’s group after seeing the destruction on campus. Manorek heard about what took place and said it was “straight up vandalism.”

She believes the seniors involved crossed the line. “Pranks aren’t supposed to hurt or damage anyone or anything, they’re supposed to be harmless and funny,” Manorek said.

Killmer also believes that these senior pranks were far from funny. “Pranks that are not okay are ones that harm people either mentally or physically and cannot be fixed,” Killmer said.

The seniors who were not involved in the vandalism are taking steps to spread awareness.

“I look forward to helping the staff and families affected by these pranks and I’m hoping to turn this tragic incident into a learning experience,” Killmer said.