Posted on: Friday, May 27, 2005

Kapa'a bans five from graduation

Associated Press

KAPA'A, Kaua'i — Five Kapa'a High School seniors are banned from walking with their classmates at today's graduation ceremony after they admitted to painting graffiti on campus buildings.

The five students apologized, put posters up around school saying they were sorry and put their painting skills to good use painting new lines on the parking stalls in the student parking lot.

Classmates and friends also lobbied on their behalf, but principal Gilmore Youn wouldn't change his mind.

"It's the worst case of desecration I've seen in my 35 years here," he said.

The graffiti painting took place over a three-day period last weekend.

Youn has ordered a fence to be built to secure the campus when school isn't in session and is also considering installing surveillance cameras.