News that went national: High school prank gets nasty

No STD worries in ranch salad dressing prank at high school Authorities say student got idea from popular movie

James Fuller Daily Herald Staff Writer

Tests show no need for Wheaton North High School students to fear any illness from exposure to salad dressing tainted with a peer's semen, authorities said.

Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 officials mailed a letter parents should have received Saturday saying there was no need for students to receive any medical testing stemming from the Dec. 6 prank.

That would indicate DuPage County Health Department testing on student Marco Castro turned up a clean bill of health in terms of transmissible diseases. Health department and school officials cited privacy laws in refusing to speak directly about Castro's tests.

Castro, 17, was charged with attempted aggravated battery and disorderly conduct after Wheaton police said he confessed to ejaculating into a container of ranch salad dressing in the junior and senior cafeteria.

Castro performed the act in a restroom, then placed the container back in the cafeteria, where it remained for up to seven lunch periods over two days, authorities said. District 200 spokeswoman Denie Young said at least two students reported eating the tainted dressing.
That may factor into upgrading the charges against Castro to a felony if those students go to the police.

Castro developed the prank after watching the movie "Jackass Number Two," which features a series of crude stunts, authorities said.

His antics have spawned several MySpace and Facebook discussion groups on the topic. Reactions from current and former Wheaton North students have varied from laughter to disgust.

Principal Jill Bullo clarified Castro's punishment at the school in her letter to parents.

"Please know that the student has been appropriately disciplined according to district policy and state requirements," Bullo wrote.

"In addition, he must earn the remaining credits he needs for graduation outside of the regular Wheaton North program."

Castro is due in court Jan. 24.