Prior Lake High School’s Class of 2022 executed a disastrous senior prank that will and should be remembered for years to come, but not in the happy nostalgic way you’d think. The ill-advised seniors involved decided to release multiple pigeons into the school and thoughtlessly throw flour bombs off the upper floors at students eating in the cafeteria. This prank proved extremely disruptive and negatively impacted the entire school Selfless custodians and frustrated school faculty were left to pick up the ridiculous pieces.

In past years, students responsible for disruptive and foolish pranks were punished for their actions, but still, some seniors continue to partake in the escapades. The opinions and thoughts of last year’s senior prank vary from teacher to student, but what’s important is to understand the effects and consequences of said pranks.

Though some may call it “tradition,” Prior Lake history proves otherwise.

“They are talked about every year, but they don’t always happen, so I wouldn’t call that a tradition,” said Jeff Marshall, Athletic Director of PLHS.

On the other hand, Prior Lake senior Abby Ziemkowski does see it as a tradition.

“Even though it’s not executed every year, it gives the senior class a chance to get together one last time and go against the rules, Ziemkowski said.

The pranks at PLHS range from being funny and positive to being disruptive and negative. “To me, a senior prank is something that is okay or acceptable to do as long as it doesn’t negatively impact other people,” Marshall said.

Marshall encourages seniors to ask themselves how their actions may impact other people and what it is going to force them to do because of it.

In order to prevent disruptive and negative senior pranks, the school administration has put in place multiple, serious consequences.  “Most of the students know what the consequences are,” Ziemkowski said, “but some have no idea or just flat out do not care.”

From a school discipline standpoint, students who execute a disruptive senior prank could face suspension and/or lose the privilege to participate in the graduation ceremony.

From a legal standpoint, any prank that falls within the vandalism or harassment category could lead to an investigation by the police.

“The administration doesn’t like to give these consequences, but when warnings have been put out there and people don’t heed those warnings, then there are going to be those kinds of consequences,” Marshall said. “We don’t want to go the route of taking away the opportunity for students to participate in graduation; this is not the goal.”

The senior prank itself is meant to be comical and creative, but what often is forgotten are the people (and animals) that are affected.

“Custodians, students, teachers, and other school faculty are all affected by senior pranks,” Marshall said. “Though they’re not initially meant to be targeted, many times they are.”

The administration has done everything in its power to prevent students from committing these disruptive pranks, including sending an informative and persuasive message from the school district.

“Please talk to your students about your expectations and possible consequences for their actions,” wrote Dr. Bezek, the principal of PLHS. “I informed students that this behavior is unacceptable, and they will be suspended from both school and activities they are involved in if they decide to make poor choices.”

Even with the backlash from previous senior pranks, students still support the tradition and faculty are not completely against it — within reason.

“I think senior pranks should still be a thing, but a happy medium between a good and bad senior prank would be fine and not too disruptive,” Ziemkowski said.

Marshall agrees with Ziemkowski. “I am not opposed to senior pranks; just be smart, be safe, and don’t let it majorly impact other people,” Marshall said.