KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Vandals destroyed three trees at Valencia High School Monday night in an apparent senior prank, including one dedicated to students that have passed away, according to school officials.
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“A group of four young adults came onto Valencia High’s campus and chopped down three mature trees,” a Facebook post on the school’s page said. “The tree in the Garden honoring fallen Vikings provided significant shade to current Vikings who definitely felt the loss today at lunch.”
The tree was planted by the class of 1999 as a senior gift. School officials were saddened by the loss, saying the prank had gone too far.
“Trees take a long time to grow. They don’t grow overnight,” Principal John Costanzo said. “The kids are upset and disappointed.”
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station is working with the school to review surveillance footage of the incident, Hart District spokesman Dave Caldwell said.
Valencia High School staff commented on the original Facebook post, saying the district was already working to replace the trees. The Hart district issued a statement condemning the act of vandalism.
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.“It is unfortunate that someone has chosen to commit a malicious act against Valencia High School, and in particular, the memorial garden that honors graduates who have passed away,” the statement to KHTS News read.
School officials are asking anybody with information about the “violent act to our campus” to come forward and email VHStip@hartdistrict.org.
Law enforcement officials will determine what, if any, charges are brought against anybody involved after concluding their investigation into the vandalism.
Valencia High School is the largest school in the William S. Hart Union High School District. Valencia seniors are set to graduate May 25.
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“Prank” gone too far?? Understatement!!
Same thing happened at El Camino years ago. The tree planted in memory of my son Nicholas Markowitz was chopped down along with three others. Very disheartening.
What in the world is wrong with the youth of today? Do they believe it is okay to destroy property just to get some kicks? I sincerely hoe they find these four individuals that are guilty of this vandalism and that they are punished severely for their actions. Do not just give them a slap on the hand for this incident. Maybe it is time for adults to take a more active role in their children’s upbringing and instill in them values that will help hem determine right from wrong. Obviously there are a number of youths out there who think that they can just do as they please and not suffer any consequences for wrongful behavior.
I agree. I had the same heartache when my sons memorial tree was cut down in the valley years ago.
When I read this, I cried. Today I spent my entire day as a principal, disciplining students for unkind acts towards others. In almost twenty years of being a school administrator, I do not think I have ever dealt with something such as this that is so void of thought or empathy for others. This is more than “wrong”…
Prank, bs vandalism.
Throw every possible charge against, Expell them and give them an incomplete.
Welcome to the grown up world
So sad that kids are not taught the difference between a prank vs. vandalism! Choices vs. Consequences All choices have consequences, choose good.
That is so wrong, in so many ways!! I think all the seniors should NOT have a graduation and let them repeat!!
A parent from West Ranch, I would honestly be okay with this!!! Unless they blur out who and what controlling asshole, inconsiderate, jealous seniors would do a sick joke like this!!! So wrong!! I am sure those parents know which of their kids did this!
Perhaps the MS-13 did it.
Prank or criminal mischief? What color are the perpetrators?
Ms 13? Lolol!!!