Model Student Expelled After Confrontation With School Director

Model Student Expelled After Confrontation With School Director

Posted: Updated:
Sam Schmucker watches on during a Wednesday Penn-Delco school board hearing. Sam Schmucker watches on during a Wednesday Penn-Delco school board hearing.
DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. -

A Sun Valley High School honors student who was placed on suspension after a confrontation with a school play director learned Wednesday that he won't be returning to school.

Sam Schmucker was expelled by board members of the Penn-Delo School District during a hearing Wednesday night.

FOX 29 first told you about Schmucker last week.

After a passionate plea to board members, Schmucker's family tells FOX 29 the punishment doesn't fit the crime.

"He's 17-years-old and he made a mistake. Anyone here look me in the face and say you never made a mistake," a member of the standing room only crowd said to the board.

The model student, who participated in choir and was a member of the debate team and prom committee, was suspended from Sun Valley High School after an incident during a rehearsal for the school's production of the musical "Annie."

Schmucker says he grabbed the director of the play by his collar after the director yelled at his girlfriend. Profanity was used and the confrontation became physical, Schmucker said.

"The way he was talking didn't seem right to me. You can't talk to people like that, it's hurtful. I deserve punishment. I do not disagree at all," Schmucker said last week.

Schmucker lost his role in the school play after the altercation and was serving a suspension for the last 20 days.

During the Wednesday night hearing, the school board, without comment, voted 6-3 to expel him.

Schmucker's family now worries the expulsion will hurt his chances of getting into college.

In a statement to FOX 29, the director of the show, John Baxter, said in part "I had no hand in Sam's punishment at all. I never asked for him to be suspended... What you have here is a popular kid did something wrong."

Schmucker's fight isn't over just yet. His attorney says he will be on the steps of the Delaware County Courthouse first thing Thursday morning to file an injunction to get Schmucker back into school.

  • Local News

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
    Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
    Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
    The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
    The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
    Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
    Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Powered by WorldNow

FOX 13 / WTVT-TV
3213 West Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, Florida 33609
Main: (813) 876-1313
Newsroom: (813) 870-9630
Fax: (813) 871-3135

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices