Grads Use Prank Tradition to Honor Classmate

By Alex Cameron, NEWS 9

YUKON, Oklahoma -- Graduating students at Yukon High School chose to donate money during their graduation ceremony after one of their classmates died in a car wreck just days before he was scheduled to get his diploma.

The Class of 2009 chose to continue their school's tradition of giving their principal some sort of humorous parting gift as he shakes their hand during the ceremony. But the students this year will each pass a dollar to their principal, honoring 17-year-old Aaron Zentz.

Deana Clingerman, Yukon curriculum technology director, said Aaron was very much his own person. He was described as kind and joyful by his peers.

"This boy would always open the door for her after second hour," Clingerman said. "Then last week, she realized it was Aaron, because the door wasn't opened for her that day."

Zentz was killed in a car crash at Reno Avenue and Morgan Road.

"It really hit me and it sunk in and I just started bawling," said Senior Class Vice President Tufi Bell. "You always think that nothing's really going to impact you...it did."

Senior class officers recognized their ceremony as an opportunity to help.

"In the past, we've given things like sticky notes or Hershey kisses," said Senior Class President Jed Davis.

But the students decided this year they'll each give at least a dollar to help Zentz's family.

"We just thought it was perfect to give back to the family because we know it's a hard time for them," said Senior Class Treasurer Jake O'Bannon.

There is clearly a sense of emptiness in the school this week, but thanks in part to the students who remain, and because of whom Aaron was, his memory will live on.

"In his family and in his friends, and in our hearts, he made a huge impact just in the 17 years that he was here," Clingerman said.

Clingerman said Aaron was like a son to her and her husband and she's not sure what the family will do with the money that's donated during the graduation ceremony, but she is certain that it will be used in a way that will honor his life.

There are 484 Yukon seniors graduating Tuesday. Class leaders said, with each of them donating at least $1, they expect to raise a significant amount of money.