Woman says Quincy HS fundraiser is vandalism

QUINCY, Mass. -- What began as a fundraiser for seniors at QUINCY High School has one homeowner claiming vandalism.

“They all believe that this is just a laughing matter and to me this is the farthest thing from a laughing matter,” said Carol Abbott, a longtime Quincy resident.

Abbott lives in the Merrymount area of Quincy and finds it appalling that someone would line her meticulously manicured lawn with a dozen plastic flamingos.

“These children are being encouraged by adults in the school administration and parent advisory council to trespass and vandalize,” said Abbott.

The school says putting a dozen or so plastic flamingos, along with a sign that reads “You have been flocked! By the Quincy High Senor Class Senior Night Out Committee,” is a fundraising effort for Senior Night Out.

“This is the first I’ve heard of a complaint, although like I said, I am sympathetic to this lady. If she wanted them not to be there she could have just called us and we would have removed them. But I would hope that more people join in on the fun to provide a real safe environment for our kids after the prom,” said Frank Santoro, principal of Quincy High School.

The students “flock” someone by sticking plastic flamingos in a designated yard for a $20 donation. Proceeds from the fundraiser go to funding a safe and drug-free post-prom night event.

“It’s something where a lot of us will come into school and be like, ‘Oh, did you get flocked last night?’ or ‘You get to be flocked?’ or ‘Who are you going to send it to next?’ It’s something that’s fun that we have here at Quincy High,” said Donna Misoi, a student.

Abbott argues that the prank doesn’t send a good message to kids.

“To encourage children -- and they are children -- to come on people’s property without permission. In the city of Presidents, I think John Adams is rolling in his grave today over this, that is my issue,” Abbott said.

Quincy police commented about the “flocking,” saying that what the students did was not breaking any laws and they committed no crime during the course of their act.

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