Hardin HS seniors face consequences after prank causes school damage

Members of the Hardin High School senior class entered the school late Wednesday night, May 6, for what reportedly began as a senior prank but escalated when a handful of students allegedly caused damage inside the building, according to Hardin ISD Superintendent Scott Mackey.

Mackey said district officials believe three to five students took the prank “too far,” while some of the other seniors present attempted to discourage them from causing damage.

“Some senior pranks are funny and innocent and they don’t hurt anybody or anything,” Mackey said. “But this took it too far. It just took it too far.”

The incident happened late Wednesday evening when students apparently entered the school through a window that investigators believe had been intentionally left open earlier in the day. Mackey said district officials have since implemented additional precautions to prevent windows from being left open in the future.

According to Mackey, the damage included destroyed desks, a damaged bathroom stall door, a bent wheel on a special needs wheelchair and other minor vandalism inside the school. He emphasized that no one was injured.

Mackey said the students responsible will face consequences and restitution is expected. One student has already been suspended.

“Those few that took it too far, they’re going to face some consequences,” he said. “Their families have been notified and they’re going to have to deal with that.”

Hardin ISD School Resource Officer Laci Pierce is assisting with the investigation alongside Hardin High School Principal Dr. Robert Thibodeaux and Assistant Principal Carol Draney. Mackey said the district has not yet determined whether criminal charges will be filed.

“At this point, we don’t know,” Mackey said. “A lot of it may just come down to restitution.”

While consequences are still being discussed, Mackey indicated the district does not want to overreact.

“We don’t want to take it too far with the punishment,” he said when asked whether the students involved would still be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Mackey said he hates that the incident occurred so close to graduation because he believes the Class of 2026 has otherwise had a strong year.

“It has been such a good year and it has been a really great class of kids,” he said. “I just don’t want this to put a black eye on all the good things that they’ve done this year because it is seriously a really good class. I’m super proud of them.”