A senior prank at Keene High School has stirred up strong opinions across the community after students reportedly released 500 crickets inside the building.
While some residents are defending the students, calling it a harmless rite of passage, others argue the stunt crossed a line and warranted the serious response it received from school officials and police.
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, particularly in the Keene/Brattleboro Buy/Sell/Trade Facebook group, where community members weighed in with sharply divided opinions.
Many felt the school and authorities overreacted, while others stood firm that any prank causing disruption to a learning environment deserves consequences.
“Let Kids Be Kids” vs. Real Consequences
Angelina Burnham, who originally posted about the situation, expressed frustration at what she saw as misplaced priorities.
Jennifer Wright let’s call the cops on insects but not when kids are being bullied to the point of taking their own lives. Got it. It’s a joke and a harmless prank. Trust me Keene high has a lot more issues to worry about before they worry about crickets.
Angelina Burnham
She pointed out that the cricket incident was being treated more seriously than an alleged altercation involving an adult at a Swamp Bats game, where a student was reportedly assaulted.
She also raised concerns about bullying going largely unaddressed, writing that she found it strange authorities were focused on insects while larger issues affecting students went ignored.
Her sentiments were echoed by others in the thread. Kenny Howe pushed back against those calling the prank a serious hygiene or safety issue, noting that bugs are a natural part of life and the school is no sterile environment.
Melissa Leigh kept it simple, pointing out that at the end of the day, it was just a cricket.
Susan Devanney summed up the frustration many felt, saying the whole situation was ridiculous and that police have far more pressing matters to deal with than a bug release.
Not Everyone Saw the Funny Side
Jennifer Wright took a different stance, arguing that senior pranks should never involve actions that disrupt the school environment or damage property.
senior prank shouldn’t involve destruction of property. Releasing 500 crickets inside a school causes immediate classroom disruptions, triggers custodial sanitation emergencies, and risks structural pest infestations if they establish a breeding population. The decaying bodies of dead crickets also attract secondary pests like ants, spiders, and rodents into the building.Specifically, this prank or release can result in several major issues:Massive Custodial Costs: Crickets produce a foul-smelling odor, and their droppings stain ceiling tiles, carpets, and desks. Cleaning up 500 crickets requires extensive HEPA vacuuming, steam cleaning, and sanitization, often forcing school closures.Secondary Pest Infestations: A sudden die-off provides a food source for other pests. Schools frequently experience secondary infestations of spiders, ants, and mice feeding on the carcasses.Damage to School Materials: Crickets are omnivores that will chew on paper, books, fabric, and even electrical wire casings, potentially causing property damage.Disciplinary Action: Depending on local jurisdiction and building rules, releasing insects can be classified as property damage, disruption of a public institution, or vandalism, leading to suspension, expulsion, or legal fines.
Jennifer Wright
She noted that releasing hundreds of insects inside a building causes immediate classroom disruption and creates cleanup costs that fall on the school and taxpayers.
She drew a firm line between a harmless joke and something that affects the broader school community.
Caitlin Rose Scott offered some historical perspective, recalling a past prank at the school where someone triggered the gym sprinkler system after hours, causing significant damage to the gym floor that required costly repairs.
She suggested that, compared to that incident, the cricket prank was relatively minor.
Michael Kiritsy hinted that the cricket prank may have been used as a cover for something else, though he did not elaborate further.
Ryan Valenti used the moment to direct frustration at school leadership, questioning the principal’s title and suggesting that real change at Keene High School needs to start at the top. Burnham agreed, adding that leadership changes are long overdue.
Why tf they still calling that pos Dr??? Shes a lousy principal that ruins everything in that school. Keene High School is an absolute joke with her in there
Ryan Valenti
The debate reflects a broader tension in communities over how schools and law enforcement respond to student pranks, and whether the punishment fits the act. For now, Keene residents remain split, with some calling for leniency and others insisting that rules exist for a reason, even on the last days of senior year.
