Senior pranks are more than just a way to mess with the school; they are a student’s last hurrah before leaving their childhood.  

While these pranks were associated with vandalism and isolation, senior pranks across the country are being reframed as something that brings together a class and creates lasting memories.  

Due to the stigmatism around the prank, some seniors have been too scared to participate in this decade-long tradition. Assistant Principal Sarah Smith believes that “senior pranks can be fun and uniting for a school, senior class, and community. They can also be ugly, destructive, or mean-spirited if done incorrectly.” 

Administrations around the country now require the pranks to be approved before they happen, so that they can prevent extra work for the administration and janitorial staff. With the approval, it can ensure that no students, staff, or community members are harmed or embarrassed  

GBHS has had some unforgettable senior pranks in its history. Smith remarks on “my favorite pranks in the past have been when the students put alarms on their phones in the lockers and when the seniors took naps during class change.” 

While these pranks brought a good laugh and were respectful, there have been other years where it has not been as such, leading administration to be upset. Due to the disrespect, some classes have had very scaled-down or not even had pranks. 

Smith believes that what makes a good senior prank is when “it doesn’t destroy property or cause already overworked and underpaid custodial or school staff to clean it up. A good prank brings students and staff together to have a good laugh.” 

Now is the time for GBHS to bring back senior pranks in a responsible manner. Working together as a class can bring back a connection between the grade and give everyone a moment to laugh in their last year. If anyone could bring it back in a big way, it’s the class of ’26. 

Social media has shown how successful senior pranks can be when done respectfully, but also not being scared to do something out of the ordinary. One video that went viral on TikTok was a group of students in Delaware who spent the night in their principal’s house (with her husband’s permission), and she woke up to them all in her living room. 

Senior year is about celebrating our journey as students. Bringing back the senior prank to GBHS would give the seniors one last chance to share a laugh and leave behind a good legacy.