Three Mokena Jr. High Students Face Possible Expulsion in Drug Incident

On May 19, the 230-strong eighth-grade class from took its annual trip to Six Flags Great America in north suburban Gurnee, and most students had a great time.

Three students, however, took prescription drugs while at the theme park, according to administrators.

The students were immediately banned from all end-of-the-year privileges, including graduation, which takes place tonight, Thursday, May 27.

Though they are moving on to high school, they could still face expulsion.

"We take a hard line on students with drugs. The policy allows 10 days of suspension and possible expulsion. Even though they are eighth-graders, this incident occurred inside the school year and they can still be expelled. The school board will have to decide that, but they will not be here the remainder of the school year," principal Mike Rolinitis said.

A chaperone noticed the three individuals had become ill and drew it to the principal's attention immediately.

"These were heavy duty anti-depressants, and they carry pretty severe side effects. These young men were showing those side effects. The park's EMT took great care of the kids. We did some investigating and within minutes figured out what had happened," Rolinitis said.

"The rest of the kids had a great time. I asked the park if it would reflect badly on the school and they said they understood it was the actions of individuals and not the group as a whole," he added.

While Gurnee Police made a report at the scene, the school has not received a copy. Rolinitis said there are no charges as of yet because the drugs were brought in to the park.

One of the three boys reportedly found the pills near a pond. The school confirmed that neither the boys nor their parents were prescribed this particular medication.

It is not clear if the boys will be banned from the park, though the park is aware of the boys and has their names.