On Thursday April 19th, one day before the anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings, graffiti was found on the Glenbrook South campus on the walls and trees in the courtyard, one day after graffiti was also found on the glass ceiling atop the old pit. Rumors amongst students, parents, and staff were that the graffiti was associated with the anniversary of Columbine and potentially indicated a violent threat.

According to an anonymous papapro, part of the graffitti was an image of the initials “A.C.” Different members of the community had thoughts about what A.C. stood for.

The parapro claimed that the same day, members of the GBS staff searched through the computer system for the initials “A.C.” but none of the results seemed reliable.

The graffiti had been washed off by 8:00 a.m. on the 19th.  An e-mail was sent out to all parents that explained that Glenbrook South had been vandalized twice. It stated that one middle school and two elementary schools in the area were defaced as well.

Parents were advised to use their best judgement in deciding whether to send their students to school or not. Paul Burkhardt of the dean’s office put into perspective what he would have done in the situation.

“As a parent, If I had received the email, I would discuss with my children and see what they thought. If they felt uncomfortable at school, I wouldn’t make them come.”

On April 20th, according to another parapro, by 8:00 a.m. approximately 500 parents had phoned into the attendance office to report that their students were not going to be in attendance that school day, a figure significantly higher than the average 200 that are called out daily. Extra help was called in to answer the phones. Still, most decided to come to school.

“I came to school because I didn’t feel like there was any real threat,” states Senior Derek Skoog.

On the 20th, several Glenview Police Department squad cars were stationed on campus as an added safety measure.

Comments Senior Abby Ekstrand, “I thought their presence was needed. It made students feel more secure and possibly prevented any problems from arising.”

While it is unclear precisely what the meaning behind the graffiti was, the content was nonetheless disturbing and troubling to many. In the end however, no additional incidences or threats occurred.

An investigation is currently underway to determine who is behind the graffiti, and how the perpetrators gained access to the areas. Some have speculated that the roof was used, but no conclusive evidence has been found. The school and authorities are still thoroughly investigating the matter.

Administrators were unavailable for comment.

Marissa Perlman, assistant news editor