palmbeachpost.com
VERO BEACH — Vero Beach High School's 440-page 2012 yearbook is raising eyebrows, making people blush and even upsetting some parents. Double entendres on four pages are causing the controversy.
The sayings with sexual undertones are listed under sections entitled "That's What She Said!" and "Say What?!" The pages contain quotes from students that, taken out of context, are anything but innocent.
"I just don't think it's appropriate to go in a high school yearbook. It's a little much," said VBHS parent, Andy Metcalf.
One student is quoted as saying, "This thing is way too hard." Underneath was an explanation that the statement was made in reference to a school project. Others were quoted as saying, "That feels so good," and "I can't do it from this angle." Those are the more innocent quotes of the 16 recorded in the yearbook.
VBHS freshman Jenna Metcalf and her father Andy have different takes on the 'risque' comments.
"When we first got the yearbook, everyone thought it was really funny. I did too. I mean a couple of my friends are in there," said Jenna.
She said nothing in the book is really that uncommon to overhear at school, and she doesn't think the yearbook staff meant to offend anyone.
Her father is just glad his daughter is not featured in a questionable light.
"These yearbooks are kept forever, and you're going to look back on that, and it can be embarrassing," Andy said.
VBHS principal Eric Seymour released a statement that apologized for what he called "the few questionable items" in the award-winning yearbook. He wrote:
"It is unfortunate that a few errors in judgment have elicited a negative reaction to an otherwise exceptionally well done publication. As educators, we must strive to provide a positive culture for our students and will not allow such an incident to occur in the future."
It is unclear who was responsible for approving the yearbook before it was printed. Yearbook adviser Sarah Jones has been on maternity leave recently, and a substitute teacher has overseen her class. Seymour says the school has ordered "crack and peel" pages so yearbook owners can cover anything they deem inappropriate.
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