Jason Hughes: Time for New Traditions


I remember when my brother shared the story of a "senior prank" at the high school his daughter attended.  A baby porcupine was placed in the cafeteria microwave awaiting the next student to use it. The animal was unharmed. But it did leap out of confinement and run across the dining area causing sufficient spectacle and laughter.    This is Texas.  We do a lot of  "Hey, hold my beer while I try this!" scenarios - which just might mean that men here suffer higher death rates attributed to stupidity.  wink  But generally speaking, when a teacher has their property "papered" it is because they are popular and respected by their students.  It is a weird tribal way of demonstrating the teacher is loved. This tradition went sideways. And  for Jason Hughes, it ended badly.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15629883/jason-hughes-georgia-math-teacher-killed-prank-students-charged.html

On the cusp of adulthood, teenage boys can do really stupid things: like run over their teacher as they try to escape the scene of a rather harmless prank.  Is it time to change certain traditions? Senior pranks are considered a rite of passage. Perhaps a final opportunity to be that little boy or girl again prior to embarking on to a life of work or season in college.  One of our own sons always stated that age five was the favorite year of his life.  He wanted to remain Peter Pan.  But our children do grow up and most of them survive just fine. 

But maybe there should to be consideration given to senior classes giving back to the community they are about to leave as opposed to  covering trees and lawns with toilet paper.  Yes, this is a high energy time.  Especially for young men.  Can that energy be put to good use; and that time still provide for vibrant memories regarding the end of childhood dreams and grasping of new ones?  What group projects are available under adult supervision? And can that work be fun and also involve a  large pizza delivery  for the senior class?

One family has lost a husband, father and a son.  Other families will now navigate the court system with their own sons.  And all that, for a few rolls of toilet paper, a slip on the wet pavement, and the squeal of  tires.

Take a moment to pray for all involved.  This will be a most difficult time.  And for the student behind the steering wheel,  a traumatic imprint which will carry a lifetime of emotional consequences.



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