Students punished for school vandalism

East Haddam (WTNH) - Students admit to spray painting the roof of the Nathan Hale-Ray high school during their senior camp out Tuesday night. But, they say not only are they being punished, but so are their families, because they will not be allowed to walk at their graduation.

"I jumped in," said senior Curtis Goodspeed. "I thought if 10 or 15 people are doing it, why I should do it too."

Goodspeed was arrested for the vandalism and senior Ryan Hall said he was told he will be next.

"I got caught up in it, ya' know?" said Hall. "Kids were ranting '2009 seniors.' I spray painted 2009."

Goodspeed, Hall, along with another senior, were suspended which means no going to graduation this Thursday.

"Of course I want to walk but more my family I feel bad for," said Hall. "My mother was really, really upset."

"Obviously I don't condone teen drinking, I don't condone kids painting on a school," said parent Martin Hall.

But he also doesn't agree with how the school has handled this. Martin said only a few kids were singled out, which sends the wrong message.

"If you had lied, you'd be getting a cap and gown," said Martin.

Martin is a former school board member and said the seniors should have been stopped before the camp out which is not sanctioned by the school.

"I think if the administration had been more proactive, we wouldn't be in the situation we're in," said Theresa Parady of East Haddam.

And that situation got worse over the course of the weekend. Vandals struck again but this time the tone was less celebratroy. They spray painted some derogatory comments.

"I just think of it as people are upset," said Goodspeed.

At this point, most of the spray painting has been removed from the school. The principal and the superintendent had no comment on the situation.

"I know I messed up," said Hall. "I'd gladly do community service. I'd do anything to help out. But not being able to walk, it just gets me."