Police Await Warrants for NCHS Vandals, BOE Chair Says Matter is "In The Hands of the Court System"

The New Canaan Police Department has applied for warrants for five arrests in connection with the that occurred at New Canaan High School on the day before the annual Thanksgiving Day football game between New Canaan and Darien.

Sgt. Carol Ogrinc said warrants for the four suspects who are older than 16 have been applied for in Norwalk Court. The fifth suspect is 15-years-old and his warrant has been requested from Stamford's Juvenile Court. All five students have previously been identified as students at Darien High School.

Sometime in the early morning of Nov. 24, the high school, Dunning Field stadium, walkways and signs were defaced with blue paint. Ogrinc said the damage has been estimated at just under $5,000, a number well beyond the $1,500 at which felony charges can be brought. She said police were recently notified that football practice equipment and plantings were also damaged in the incident.

Reached for comment prior to Monday evening's Board of Education meeting, Board Chair Nick Williams praised both school systems for their handling of what he called a "very difficult and unfortunate situation."

"Now it's in the hands of the court system. At this point, it's really out of our control," he said. 

"Hopefully some good can come out of this. I think people were feeling almost a betrayal in the sense that, putting aside the actual damages, which were consequential, a feeling that this event overshadowed a terrific rivalry, a tremendous game, " he commented.

He went on to say that when this event reaches its conclusion, "People may disagree about the severity of punishment, but that's for the system to work out . . I'm sure the system, in the end, will come to the right result, whatever that is." 

Calling the event a shame for both Darien and New Canaan, he added, "Everybody was looking forward to a game and this overshadowed it . . . it's a shame for Darien and New Canaan... the Darien players who had nothing to do with this are victims too."

Recalling that there have been disruptive incidents in the past, he called this a "seminal moment in the history of the rivalry," and said that perhaps, "Parents and students maybe need to step back," to re-evaluate behavior. He added, "Maybe in the future, whether it's football, hockey or whatever ... maybe it will put people, and indeed students from both towns, on notice that this behavior is wrong and can mar the competitive and athletic experience."

Looking forward to this weekend's , Williams likes New Canaan's chances, but recognizes they are up against a tough opponent.

"This team is really good. they're like us in that they're an offensive juggernaut. People have been spoiled because we've got such a terrific football program, but this won't be easy."

On another priority at the top of the list for the BOE, Williams said the search is underway to replace New Canaan High School Principal, Tony Pavia, who has announced he will after this school year.  A search committee is in place and consultant Eliza Holcomb, a Senior Consultant for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education has been engaged.

While he acknowledged that it won't be an easy process to replace someone he called, "One of the best high school principals that you could find," Williams promised that the search for his successor will be, "Patient and deliberate and thorough," while moving as quickly as is prudent to find the right candidate.