In the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 17, 2019, Alliance High School was broken into by a group of unknown suspects. An estimate of $10,000 in vandalism was left behind, hours before schools were to arrive for District Music Contest.

Trails of spray paint were left on lockers along with splatter painted walls. Artistic ideas redecorated hallways. The Greek mythology hall was now modernized with stick figures and graphic images. Inside the gym, acrylic paint was used to do some new flooring. A fire extinguisher had later set off the fire alarms.  

Anita James, the activities director of Alliance High School, was the first to the scene after the police arrived. Staff members scrambled to make posters to cover the artwork while the janitor scrubbed the lockers and floors before schools started arriving. After the long day of contest, teachers stayed late to help repaint the walls.

The staff members were not the only ones upset about the escapade through the school. Many students were furious seeing their school covered in paint.

Sydnie Waldron, a senior, was immediately angry when hearing about the new school makeover. “I feel that it is incredibly disrespectful to both the school and the community. I’m really disappointed that people think this type of activity is okay.” Sydnie was grateful to have such a wonderful staff who arrived at the school before the sun was up to help clean up for District Music Contest and to those who stayed late to repaint. “They shouldn’t have to do that but it just goes to show how amazing the staff at Alliance High is and how they care about the school and its students.” Sydnie feels lucky to be apart of such a great community.

Hannah Middleton, a senior, was mortified when the news broke about the vandalism. “I think it’s ridiculous that they show no respect for the school, especially the day before District Music Contest.” Hannah was blessed to have the damage covered before schools arrived.

According to the Alliance Times-Herald on April 22, four suspects, adults Jacob Adamson, Isaac Johnson, and Zachary Rinard; and one juvenile were arrested for Burglary and Criminal Mischief.

Although very few saw the remodeled version of the high school, word of mouth traveled far and rapidly. It didn’t take very long for the newspaper to mention the story. Teachers may have covered the work with new paint and posters, but they will never forget all the damage left behind.