On 12/7/2006, Green Mountain High School sent out a message to parents about two students being arrested for activating a device from baking soda and vinegar on the previous day. In disbelief that something comparable to a science fair project could land two students in jail, I did some investigating.

I learned that the students involved are A-B students, are involved in school activities, are working on their Eagle rank in Boy Scouts and are active in their church. Their "explosive" consisted of a 2-ounce bottle (small enough that it could have been legally brought on an airplane) and the projectile was the rubber top of an eye dropper that was aimed at the floor. This device did not hurt anyone and barely attracted the attention of the students in the cafeteria at that time.

For perpetrating this "geeky" prank they were expelled from school for a year. They were charged with carrying a concealed weapon or possession of a weapon at school (a felony), possession of explosives or incendiary devices (a felony) and reckless endangerment (a misdemeanor) Initially they were denied bail for being potential threats to society which resulted in them spending seven days in the Mount View Detention Center. (In fairness, I need to mention that the school has reduced the expulsion and the prosecutor has dropped the weapon's charge.)

In contrast, I have been told that the customary punishment for physically fighting or possession of marijuana (two very real crimes) at the high school is 3 and 10 days suspension, respectively. In addition, law enforcement is not brought in for each occurrence.

I agree that the safety of our children at school is of paramount importance. I know that the actions of these students were inappropriate and that they deserved to be reprimanded in some way. I understand that the GMHS administration needed to let the rest of the student body know that such pranks would not be tolerated.

However, this punishment is excessive for the "crime" committed. If the administration at GMHS really cares about the students, how could they pursue such extreme actions that would potentially ruin the lives of two excellent students?

My personal feelings are that the time served in jail and out of school is more than what they deserved. I hope and pray that someone somewhere in authority will recognize the actual harmlessness of their intentions and actions and reprieve them of these disproportionate consequences.