What began as a harmless senior prank turned into a showdown with authority at Ravenna High School a century ago.

By the time it ended, the Class of 1909 had learned an unforgettable — and quite painful — lesson. One that cost the 20 graduates their commencement and almost cost them their diplomas.

Raising the class colors from the cupola of the high school had become a traditional rite of spring, but Superintendent E.O. Trescott believed “flag rustles” were disruptive and had issued orders against the practice. Class colors would only be displayed on class days or at commencement, he decided.

On the night of Thursday, May 6, 1909, some of the boys in the senior class made their way to the high school, where they nailed the senior flag to the topmost pinnacle of the school, which was located at Highland Avenue and Walnut Street.

The colors were flying proudly when Trescott arrived at 7 the following morning. He ordered several of the senior boys to remove them.

Seniors Earl Stevens, Forrest Pfile and Max Pitkin went up to the cupola to take down the flag and found that they needed assistance. Principal H.B. Turner corraled three more senior boys to help them.

A crowd of 13 seniors — more than half of the class — gathered on the lawn of the school while the six classmates were struggling with the colors.