VOL. XIX, NO. 7

For the past few years vandalism has been an issue that has been hidden behind open‑campus and smoking lounge issues. Apparently vandalism has been a major concern of the Board of Education. Here at Maine West a committee of students, administrators, and teachers is formed every year to discuss and investigate vandalism in the school.

However, the rate of vandalism has dropped considerably here at Maine West over the last few years. Even though the amount of vandalism has dropped, it doesn't mean that we won't find graffiti written on the bathroom walls. Much of this drop is due to the added responsibility that the students have taken upon themselves. Last year what was meant to be a harmless prank could have been a fatal disaster.

From this incident we hope that the students will reflect upon the consequences of their actions. We would like to commend the students for accepting this responsibility that they strived to receive.

Vandalism not only occurs in the school but also in the school parking lots. Many complaints have been made about the lack of security in the past. In order to provide adequate security the school recently hired new security guards. Although the guards are there, it is still the responsibility of the students to take caution in order to prevent vandalism from occuring.

With spring just around the corner many of us are looking forward to vacation. Let's all keep things running on the right track.