School board supports actions of Athena-Weston superintendent in alleged hazing incident

ATHENA – The Athena-Weston School District Board of Education is supporting Superintendent Ann Vescio’s investigation and discipline involving an alleged incident of hazing by members of the Weston-McEwen High School football team last month. A number of citizens showed up to request a separate investigation into the matter.

The board of education went into an executive session to discuss the citizens’ concerns. Following that session, the board reconvened and unanimously voted to support both the investigation and decision that saw four players removed from the high school football team. The Weston-McEwen/Griswold TigerScots football team is undefeated after five games, with three games remaining on its regular schedule.

“The district cannot comment regarding any ongoing investigations or share any confidential student information,” Vescio wrote in a prepared statement to the media. “The Athena-Weston School District is committed to the safety and learning of all students. Any concerns that affect the well-being of students are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and responded to appropriately. There is no place in the district’s learning environments or extracurricular programs for acts of hazing or harassment.”

The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office received a report of hazing on Sept. 11. Capt. Sterrin Ward said the incident is under investigation and allegedly occurred in Eugene.

“The Eugene Police Department is conducting the criminal investigation,” Ward said. “Because those involved live within our jurisdiction, our agency assisted with contacting those individuals. Weston-McEwen High School is aware of the incident.”

Ward expressed concern about gossip regarding the incident.

“We are cautioning the press that rumors are circulating from people not directly related to the incident,” Ward said.

Photo from the Athena-Weston School District

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Elkhorn Media Group

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