UPDATE: WIRT STUDENTS PUT ON "PROBATION" OVER PRANK DAY EPISODE

(07/21/2011)
UPDATE - Five students involved in a prank during Prank Day at Wirt County High School this Spring, have been told by Wirt Prosecutor Leslie Maze, that if they stay out of trouble for the next six months, the charges will likely be dismissed.

The charges stemmed from an incident where students blocked access to the school with their cars. School officials had their cars towed and brought charges against the students.

The five students appeared in Wirt County Circuit Court yesterday on charges of obstruction of traffic and were referred to a pretrial diversion program, said Prosecutor Maze.

If the charges are brought back, the penalty could be a fine of up to $100.

ORIGINAL STORY

WIRT HIGH SENIORS ENGAGE IN PRANK - School Officials Tow Vehicles, Have Citations Issued (05/10/2011)

Wirt County school officials did not take a 'senior prank' lightly. The incident happened last Friday at Wirt County High School in Elizabeth where a few Seniors blocked the entrance to the school with their cars.

School officials had the cars towed and several Senior students have been cited.

A parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Herald he thought the school overreacted, declining to let the students move their cars, causing the students to pay the towing costs and be fined.

Wirt County school officials have declined to comment on the matter.

WTAP-TV said students involved in the incident had been warned by the school not to talk to the press.

WTAP-TV said parents they spoke with, none of which wanted to be identified, said they were concerned they will be responsible for the citations and towing fees, since most of the cars involved were registered in their names.

The students raised more than $900 this past weekend from a car wash held to help pay the costs of the towing and the court fees.

Students are reportedly prohibited from parking on school property, and could be banned from taking part in the upcoming commencement.

A source told the Herald that the students would also be suspended, but that information could not be confirmed.