Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Pernicious pranks and terrific tricks: Students partake in April Fools’ Day

Some people believe it’s good luck to say “rabbit rabbit” when waking up on the first of every month. But on the first day of April, some unfortunate souls let out an incomprehensible shriek soon after they’ve opened their eyes. Maybe it was an ice cold shower, or plastic wrap on the toilet, or maybe even colored dye in the shampoo bottle. Whatever it was, there is nothing lucky about being pranked on April Fools’ Day.

While the origin of this day of pranks is uncertain, some believe it came from the adoption of a new calendar, while others believe it has emerged from age-old European spring festivals (“April Fools’ Day Mystery”).  For most, the origin is trivial; what matters is that April 1 is a day to torment your loved ones.

“One year my brother called my mom and told her he got arrested in a bar fight. She freaked out,” Jake Reiner ’14 said.

When it comes to pranks, some people stick to the classics. Toothpaste in the Oreos is always a fan favorite and is a trick that students like Ruby Steinberg ’14 have pulled in the past.  “I used that on my mom once. She wasn’t pleased,” she said.

Other students stray from these typical pranks to indulge in something more original. “My friends and I once woke our other friend up at about three o’clock in the morning at a sleepover on April Fools’ Day and told her that her dad was there to pick her up. She got all dressed and ready before we told her it was a joke,” Sydney Malkin ’17 said.

Friends and family aren’t the only ones tortured on this day. “In seventh grade, my teacher walked into the classroom on April Fools’ Day, and we all yelled ‘rat!’ and jumped on the desks. She ended up screaming and jumping on a desk too,” said Sydney Newman ’15.

Of course, some teachers know how to fend for themselves. “One year I taught made-up stuff to my chemistry class for 30 minutes. It looked like quantum mechanics, but it was complete gibberish,” said science teacher William Jones.

While being the subject of a prank isn’t always enjoyable, most people can laugh it off or forget about it. That is until the next year, of course, after the victim has plotted their revenge…

 

Leave a Comment
More to Discover
About the Contributor
Katie Reynolds, Staff Writer

Katie Reynolds, with her shoulder length brown hair and tan skin, might blend into a crowd of Staples students. But then you'll talk to her.

Katie Reynolds is unabashedly herself. She is one of the few people who can balance friendliness and sincerity; her sarcastic, honest bite goes nicely with an otherwise sugary sweet disposition. She'll tell you what she's thinking and why she's thinking it, and she's never going to apologize for that. “A writer has to be strong willed, stron enough to give their opinion and ask the right questions,” Reynolds said, a philosophy she lives by.

Reynolds is a much needed addition to the Inklings staff. Her persistence is admirable—— something she hopes will push the line of journalism to an even higher standard at Staples. And she's already started.

Her article “Concussion Repercussions”, which she worked on with classmate Emma Finn, proves the extent of her abilities. Written about the struggles faced between concussed students and strict teachers, Reynolds called it “her hardest article to date.” The extensive researched involved talking to Dr. Micheal Lee, five Staples students, and two teachers. Reynolds didn't bat an eye, easily talking to authority figures and peers alike with the same inherent charm.

Like most on Inklings, her favorite subject is English. Her favorite book is the critically acclaimed “The Language of Flowers”, an elegant book about an extraordinary woman who uses her talents to help others, though struggling through her own hardship as well. Perserverance is something admirable about Katie Reynolds, but also something she admires in others.

In her spare time, she plans events like weddings and bat mitzvahs. Each time, she's more determined to top herself, creating unforgettable bashes sure to amaze. She's unafraid of hard work.

In fact, I'm not sure she's afraid of anything. Like all things, she takes life as it comes, confident in her capabilities as a writer, and as a genuinely good person.

Comments (0)

All Inklings News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *