The Editor arrived at Morrison High School, 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL, at about 7:40 a.m., on Monday, May 15, 2023, to interview and photograph eight Impact-Life awardees. She was bemused to see two Maples had been “lightly” strewn with toilet paper. Her first thought was, “I haven’t seen any TPing for ages. It is fortunate that it wasn’t rained on.” The second thought was, “Whoever did this was intentionally constrained, so that the minimal amount of toilet tissue could easily be removed, from the low branches and one trunk.”
Once inside the lobby, it was a different situation. An undetermined number of students had toiled from 8:00 to 10:30 p.m., Sunday evening, May 14, to design a Senior Prank “Mischievous Act/Practical Joke.”
Covering the floor to the right, up three stairs toward the Office, and down the hall were newly-purchased, purposefully-distributed rubber bands. Hundreds of them “decorated” the full width of the floor, like polka dots! Occasionally, yellow Post-It notes were added.
The Library was to be my meeting place to photograph and interview eight Senior girls before classes began. Each had earned the American Red Cross Impact-Life recognition during Honors Night. This is presented to students who donate a gallon of blood or volunteer at local Blood Drives. Only three young women were able meet with me.
Pranksters had stacked upended desks, blocking the main staircase to the Library; it was impassible. Instructor Gwenn Rickertsen guided me via the elevator to the second floor, and told the honorees she saw how to get to the Library.
Annmarie Groenewold reported her father donated “all the time,” and that inspired her to do the same. She will attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and “hopes to get in contact” with Blood Drives there.
Demery Smith became a donor for inspirational motives. “There is so much evil in the world; if I can do good,” I should. She will prepare at Western Illinois University, in Macomb, IL, to become a Veterinarian.
Hannah Zinke assisted at six Blood Drives, starting as a Freshman. She “helped keep it running” in the food section, making sure people eat and drink something after donating; escorting donors to the food area; getting help if someone needed it. She will enter Illinois State University in Normal, IL, and pursue a degree in Elementary Education. She said she might help at Blood Drives there.
Inside, clean up began before 8:00 by custodians, other adults, and students. Clearing the stairway of desks, sweeping rubber bands and note paper were visible acts seen by the Editor. When she left the building, students were reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Outside, toilet paper still fluttered from the Maple trees–evidence of the mischievous act/practical joke.
Mrs. Rickertsen shared her photograph of the eight Impact-Life recipients. Note, the charitable girls wear Red Cross red honor cords; they will be displayed on graduation robes. Left-to-right are
