Seniors will be allowed to walk at graduation, but still be 'held accountable' after prank

SYLVA, N.C. (WLOS) — As an investigation into a high school senior prank continues, the superintendent of one mountain county school district said students will be allowed to walk for graduation, while still being held accountable for their actions.

A letter to Smoky Mountain High School students and families, signed by Jackson County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dana Ayers and principal Evelyn Graning, addressed "illegal acts" that were committed during a senior prank on May 16, 2023. The letter, provided to News 13 by a parent who wished to stay anonymous, didn't describe the prank in exact details, but said that it had started off as a "harmless, have-a-little-fun prank" according to its original plan.

SENIORS MAY NOT WALK, COULD FACE CHARGES AFTER PRANK AT SMOKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

"It is the actions after leaving the building, and it was secured by staff, that are irresponsible and illegal," the letter reads. "Students were directed to leave campus but they returned and re-entered the building without permission and trespassed on campus and committed illegal acts."

“My hope is that a lesson is learned by students for this incident,” Ayers told the school board during a monthly meeting Tuesday night.

News 13 has learned from attorney John Pavey, who represents some of the students, that about 17 students have been criminally charged with several misdemeanors from breaking and entering, vandalism and trespassing.

“I just can’t believe that my daughter is possibly going out into the world with a criminal record because she had school spirit,” parent Sommer Justice said.

Justice said her daughter, a senior at Smoky Mountain High School, participated in the prank and now faces charges of vandalism and trespassing.

“It is extremely upsetting,” Justice said. “These kids were there because they have school spirit, they love the school. I feel like if they were there for malicious intent, it would obvious.”

Justice requested a meeting with Ayers and other parents to ask if the students involved could perform community service instead of being charged.

Ayers would not discuss that possibility.

“I’m not going to share that information,” Ayers said when asked about it.

Following the private meeting with select parents, Ayers informed the board of the incident.

“The student’s actions have resulted in law enforcement pressing charges with my support,” she said.

“These children that this school and community have stuck around for the last 13 years, not only are we going to give them a diploma in one hand, a number are going to get criminal charges in another,” Pavey said as he addressed the board.

Pavey has been retained by several of the students for legal representation. He said during the private meeting Ayers was not willing to change her stance. According to Pavey, she said, “We’ve got to teach them a lesson.”

“I think the school board probably needs to look at whether or not she should continue as superintendent. I think this is such an egregious overreaction to what took place,” Pavey told News 13 after meeting with Ayers.

News 13’s Samiar Nefzi attempted to ask board member Dr. Lynn Dillard about the incident when the board’s lawyer ushered Dillard away.

“I have absolutely no comment because I have no information on it,” Dillard said as she walked away.

Pavey said it was his understanding that students were allowed to perform a portion of the prank and then were then asked to leave. A few students then looped back around and went through an open window to toilet paper and Zip Tie a few desks together. No damage or injuries were reported, according to Pavey.

“Anyone that could send 18 out into the world with a criminal background over a senior prank, they need all the positivity you can send them,” Justice said.

More students are expected to be charged.

According to an investigator with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, about 20 high school seniors are under investigation after entering the school. News 13 has not been able to learn exactly what happened during the prank.

A member of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office told News 13 the district had requested charges be filed against the students.

On May 19, Dr. Ayers sent News 13's the school district's policy, which states students could be excluded from graduation ceremonies due to certain violations.

In a letter to parents, marked May 22, Ayers wrote, in part, that after a "long week of investigative work that has consumed an exorbitant amount of time that should have been spent focusing on instruction," those charged in the prank "will be permitted to participate in graduation ceremonies."

PHOTO OF TEACHER WEARING CONTROVERSIAL SWEATSHIRT CAUSES UPROAR ON SOCIAL MEDIA

"I am disappointed by the actions of students and disheartened by the community uproar surrounding the illegal incident," the letter reads.

The letter also states that each student who was involved in the illegal activities "will be held accountable with the legal charges filed."