BY SIERRA BOBZIEN
September 1, 2012 was marked by the first pre-season football game at BranhamHigh School, a home game in which the Bruins contended against the Sacred Heart High School Gators. Attention was diverted from the action on the field however, when, during the game’s halftime intermission, an unscheduled fireworks display was carried out in close proximity to the football field, resulting in several large and colorful explosions, which were visible from the home-team bleachers.
Many students in attendance cheered and applauded the sight, unaware of the fact that the display was not officially sanctioned by Branham administrators, but rather involved was carried out by an unknown number of perpetrators. Regarding the display, Junior Robert Mendoza stated that he really enjoyed the fireworks and thinks that similar events should become a tradition at Branham for every season-opening game. “I really had no idea the fireworks weren’t intentional, but of course I figured it out once I saw the deans and everything, but I personally think Branham should do them more often, it made halftime a lot more entertaining than it originally would have been.”
Not all students however, were as enthralled by the spontaneous display. Among these students, Sophomore Kelsey Blankenship thought that, while the fireworks were exciting, the inherent irresponsibility of the display marred any potential enjoyment which she may have otherwise derived from the event. “I thought they were cool, but overall not the best idea since we live near a highway, and neighborhoods. Sharing these sentiments, Branham Dean Rick Hayashi emphasized the fact that students need to take into consideration how dangerous illegal fireworks really are, stating, “ I thought it was actually coming from the neighborhood across the street, until I realized it was coming a lot more closer. I did think they were cool, but extremely dangerous.”
At the time of this writing, neither the Branham deans nor the San Jose Police Department have been able to apprehend those responsible for the display. If apprehended, said perpetrators could potentially face charges of unlawful possession of incendiary devices, with greater charges likely to be levied by school administrators if the perpetrators are revealed to be Branham students.
