28 students arrested after vandalism at School of the Arts
Posted at: 06/12/2012 8:38 AM
| Updated at: 06/12/2012 4:57 PM
By: Christine VanTimmeren | WHEC.com
What started as a senior prank is now being investigated as vandalism at the School of the Arts. Graffiti was painted across the front of the building overnight. News10NBC was there when Rochester Police took 28 students away in handcuffs. They have been charged with criminal mischief, making graffiti and/or criminal trespass.
As of Tuesday afternoon, most of the graffiti was washed off. A private company was able to wash away almost all of the spray paint. But what are left behind are angry parents and students who just wish this never would have happened.
Senior Zachariah Bellucci said, “It’s kind of like this final act of defiance, senior class going out, ‘Take that administration, we don’t have to listen to you.’”
Seniors and parents from the School of the Arts say senior pranks are nothing new there.
Nikki Carr, parent of 8th grade student, said, “They’ve done this since 2002. We all have done it.”
Typically, it’s just on the road or sidewalk outside of the school, but thus year, graffiti and spray paint made its way off the ground and onto school property.
Bellucci said, “Honestly, this is idiotic. This is way beyond anything. It wasn’t funny. It’s not a prank. It’s not showing school spirit because it’s more destructive than anything else.”
So destructive, in fact, that News10NBC saw students being hauled out in handcuffs and put in the back of a police van. First, a group of girls was brought out and then a smaller group of boys. Rochester Police say 28 students were arrested and they are still investigating.
Senior Joseph Scardino said, “There should be disciplinary actions definitely for those who did this, but as far as being arrested, I think it’s a bit much.”
Parents feel the same way. In fact, they say the school never called them or informed them about what was going on.
Carr said, “Nobody’s giving us answers. The principal is running around.”
Parents upset, seniors disappointed. It’s not the way they wanted their class to be remembered.
Bellucci said, “This is School of the Arts. I’m a visual arts major. I’m ashamed to see not only vandalism at a building that I’ve become a person in, but vandalism that’s not even in good taste. It’s not even good art.”
Scardino said, “We're kind of proud of our school reputation, like our graduation rate and such, and this is going to really show negative affects of some of our students.”
The school district did not want to go on camera, but say they are saddened and disappointed and there will be consequences.
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