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Prank at Florida high school could prevent 140 students from walking at graduation

A prank at Wekiva High School near Orlando could cost seniors to walk at graduation.

APOPKA, Fla. — A senior prank could prevent up to 140 Central Florida high school seniors from walking at graduation.

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Last week, eight Wekiva High School students were arrested on vandalism charges, and dozens of their classmates might be penalized for the prank, even though they weren't arrested.

Deputies said the group broke into the high school May 14.

While the Orange County school district will not confirm those students will be banned from graduation, several students said more than 140 seniors will not walk during ceremonies at the Apopka school.

"I just feel it's not right. Nobody's trying to hear our side of the story. They're just going off what they're hearing. Nobody's trying to hear the students' point of view," student Jakia Dickson said.

Investigators said they found graffiti on campus walls and flour, glitter and baby oil throughout the hallways.  Invesitgators said the prank caused $20,000 in damages.

"I'm feeling for these kids because it makes no sense," student Trinity Bell said.

One student who will not be allowed to walk is Wilnes Accius. He said he was playing music while others were using toilet paper and bubble wrap.

"We did a prank -- some of it went too far," Accius said. "(Some) got inside the school trashing it, but we shouldn't be held accountable for it."

Another student has started an online petition in hopes that the district will change its mind. That petition already has 3,300 signatures.

Some students said some school employees were aware students intended to carry out a prank at the school and gave them access.

The district said the students unlawfully entered the school and the act was vandalism and not a prank.