River Hill Prom Will Not Be Canceled Because of "Prank"

A senior "prank" at River Hill High School that was decribed by school officials as vandalism will not lead to the cancellation of the school's prom, according to Patti Caplan, a spokesperson for Howard County Schools.

At least 30 students were involved in the vandalism, according to Caplan. River Hill Principal Nicholas Novak sent a message to parents on Monday afternoon saying students had spray painted inappropriate messages and pictures around the high school, flipped over the 'prom promise car,' toilet papered trees and moved trash cans into the street.

In the message, Novak said consequences could include exclusion from senior activities such as prom and graduation.

Caplan said the school has determined the individuals who were involved and has notified their parents.

"It appears to be all seniors," said Caplan. "It was supposedly their senior prank."

Caplan said the students involved will have to clean up around the school.

"The consequences are going to fit the crime," said Caplan. "There may be more severe punishment depending on their level of involvement."

"This went well beyond a prank and there was definitely vandalism involved," said Caplan.

Caplan said the incident was reported to police, but that because the school is handling it she didn't believe there would be charges pursued by police.

Update 3:26 p.m.: Howard County Police spokesperson Sherry Llewellyn confirmed police will not be pursuing criminal charges in this case.

"No criminal charges will be filed in this incident," wrote Llewellyn in an email. "The school will be handling the matter administratively."

Editor's Note: This article has been corrected from its original version. It incorrectly identified River Hill's Principal as Kevin Novak, his name is Nicholas Novak. We apologize for the error.