MADEIRA — Fifteen Madeira High School seniors must participate in 60 hours of Alcoholics Anonymous classes, community service and reflective writing assignments for a senior prank gone wrong last week.

        They must also submit to an alcohol assessment and share the results with the school. If all these requirements are met, they can march in graduation ceremonies Saturday.

        Ten of the seniors have been stripped of their National Honor Society status.

Senior slumber party

               Some parents at a school board meeting Monday said the punishment was not harsh enough. A few said the punishment was too harsh.

        “The seniors did make mistakes, but some of the mistakes were made by adults,” said parent Linda Stover, whose son participated in the senior prank but did not drink alcohol.

        The punishment came after 30 or more seniors participated in a senior prank Wednesday in which they planned to sleep on the lawn of Madeira High School's courtyard.

        Police, responding to a noise complaint, found students drinking. While many ran from police, two were apprehended and charged with disorderly conduct while intoxicated.

        In addition, 13 more came to the school administration and said they, too, were drinking that night.

        Superintendent Michele Hummel issued the punishment with three of the five board members supporting her.
       

Past punishments

               Memories were still fresh in the community of an event last year in which two students were punished under the school district's zero-tolerance policy.

        Board member Andrew Garman favored a 10-day suspension for this year's seniors.

        “I just felt it was a more consistent message, given past indiscretions students have been involved in.”

        In 1999, Madeira High School senior Dana Heitner was suspended for 10 days without class credit for putting school election signs in restrooms that joked about a bomb in the toilet.

        School policy says student punishment must be strict and swift for behavior such as bringing guns to school, using drugs or making threats.

        Board member Pat Gentile said the board and superintendent had to choose a punishment to fit the crime.

        “This is not a free walk for anybody,” said Mr. Gentile, who supported the 60-hour punishment option.

        Alan Heitner, Dana's father, disagreed.

        He cited the student handbook, which says students will receive a 10-day suspension for possessing, using or showing signs of having used alcohol or any intoxicant while on school property.

        Ms. Hummel said it is up to her discretion as superintendent to interpret the handbook.

Solitary senior leaves $291,000 for others
Cincinnati early fighter against AIDS
Dismal days dampening summer fun
Twins, mom die in 3-vehicle crash
Girls released in poisoning case
Main Street still feels April riots
Still no decision on Sabin Center
Two men shot in Covington
Another coal plant favored
Canal tunnel gets new life
Protesters break downtown camp
Accident victim dies in hospital
Alcohol will cost students 60 hours
GOP candidate Wiley speaks mind
Kentucky Digest
Local Digest
Middle school considers uniforms
Newport ready for civil unrest
Congrats
Crossing guard retires after 24 years
Foes want road put to vote
Meningitis overshadows graduation
Authorities justify shooting man
Cleveland firm sued over beryllium supplied for A-bombs
Lawyers seek more time for appealing Scott's death case
Patton's suit challenges assembly's review stance
Proposal offers dibs on schools
School Notes
Schools take on job of teaching values, morals
Students boost SUV gas mileage
Suspect arraigned in shooting death