Looking through the windows, it is easy to see the courtyard has been empty more frequently over the last few weeks. While this may have been attributed to the increasingly lower temperatures in the past, this year it is the trash that litters the ground causing an issue for the seniors and staff alike.
Principal Anthony Pallija and other administration have begun cracking down more harshly on violations of the courtyard rules. He said the regulations for the courtyard are very clearly stated throughout the school, but many have chosen to ignore them.
While previous violations of the rules have been minor, Pallija said he drew the line when he witnessed someone defacing Viktor Viking.
“We’re disappointed that we have such a beautiful courtyard and that people have jeopardized that,” he said.
He also said the “issues and concerns” with the courtyard are nothing new.
“It seems like every year at the beginning and end of the year, [the litter] becomes an issue,” Pallija said.
Pallija said the courtyard was built and deemed the “Senior Courtyard” before he was involved in the school and went on to say, “courtyards are not cheap.”
Many seniors, even those who do not regularly go to the courtyard are very unhappy with the increasing restraint over the courtyard.
Senior Chelsea Arnold said she feels let down that the administration has taken away the privilege.
“I was mad because it was something I’ve been looking forward to since freshman year,” she said.
She also said although she is upset, she realizes the administration has to take some kind of action.
“I understand why they did it but it sucks for everyone else [who is not at fault],” Arnold said.
Senior Andrew Giacomo agrees. He thinks it is unfair to punish all the seniors when only a small portion of the senior class has caused the issues.
“I thought it was stupid because it wasn’t my fault,” he said.
Arnold believes it must be hard to find a suitable punishment for the violations.
“Maybe [they] could have a monitor,” she said. “But that would be really annoying.”
Giacomo said the administration could not possibly punish everyone who litters at the school, so it is unreasonable to shut down the courtyard because of trash.
“There’s trash in the hallways but they don’t shut down the school,” he said.
Pallija, however, believes he is being very lenient when it comes to infractions of the rules.
“I can close [the courtyard] for one piece of paper,” he said. “It’s a judgment call. When there are more than three or four pieces of trash, [we close it].”
He said he and Mr. Kim Cooksey spend a lot of their time cleaning up the courtyard, along with other administrative staff and janitors.
“Anybody who is available [to clean helps] but they shouldn’t have to,” Pallija said.
Even though Pallija is unhappy with the recent behavior, he expects nothing more from high school students.
“I’m disappointed but realistic,” he said. “Kids are kids.”