This is not Meridian
photo by Robert Le Cates
This December, the Meridian High school office has been the hub of discipline activity due to the actions of a group of students.
December 9, 2019
On Dec. 4, an anonymous Instagram account was made which featured hate symbols, students in compromising positions and rumors about students/teachers.
This December at Meridian has already consisted of social media troll accounts, like the one above, fights between students and the impending cell phone ban decision.
When news spread of these anonymous troll accounts, many Meridian alumni and adults from the community made negative comments about Meridian and its students. Tensions have been high at the school since these accounts and fights started, many students being ashamed of the actions of their peers.
We, the journalists at Meridian, want to make it known these unfortunate acts were done by only a select group of people. These actions in no way, shape or form represent the majority of the students in our district. Not every student at Meridian supports this behavior. In fact, many of us were angered, disgusted, and simply disappointed that someone from our school could be behind such a terrible account. Many students defended those who had been targeted and reported the account to Instagram and Mr. Hurelbrink the next day.
Students here want to feel safe in the building and not paranoid that someone is taking our picture to use against us. Concerns like this have been heard throughout the building by students and staff alike. It’s scary that people we know could be behind this and we could’ve been the victim of these trolls.
These events will be remembered for years to come by those who were affected, however, we believe the support from students and community will be what actually leaves a lasting impression.
To the community, we say this…
We are passionate, not emotional. We are supportive, not combative. We are team-spirited, not mean-spirited. We are loyal, not fake. We are honest, not liars. We are determined, not weak-willed. We are united, not divided. We are Meridian.
Matthew Mathias • Sep 11, 2020 at 10:03 am
I agree people shouldn’t be recording fight at our school it makes us look like a bad school
Heidi Bingaman • Dec 20, 2019 at 10:27 am
This story was very well written! It speaks the truth… Meridian was never usually like this, Its a shame to see everyone bashing our school Its embarrassing honestly. I don’t see why people let alone students wanted to make the rumors/ fighting pages . Why would you want students from other schools bashing your own school? It does not make any sense to me ! We are in High School now.. Its time to act mature .
Nick Smith • Dec 20, 2019 at 10:23 am
These accounts put the whole school of meridian in a bad light when It’s just some people trying to cause issues
Kelsea Finklea • Dec 20, 2019 at 10:22 am
This post was definitely needed. It’s such a shame that some people that go to Meridian feel the need to purposely bring others down. I was honestly so upset when I seen the request for that account to follow me. We’re in high school, we all need to learn to grow up and worry about bigger problems than other people’s lives.
Nick Smith • Dec 20, 2019 at 10:20 am
I personally have been added by those accounts but have never followed them back and the next time I check if it’s there the account gets deleted.
Alex Boehm • Dec 20, 2019 at 10:17 am
This really makes me upset that these people have thought that it was a good idea to talk bad about teachers and students.
Chloe Norman • Dec 19, 2019 at 1:55 pm
I LOVE THIS !. I really hope that this person does not do this again it is not mature at all and i hope everyone involved in the posts are not offended or anything.
Kolbee Grider • Dec 18, 2019 at 9:59 am
Shame on those people. Meridian welcomed them into their community and they treated people and the staff horribly. I hope no one has taken offence and will not let these commits get to them.
Jack • Dec 17, 2019 at 11:03 am
i agree