"Middle school kids try and flex their muscles and stand up for what they think is just," she said. "They do a really good job following the rules here."
John agreed. "They are the best kids. I don't mind if they throw pies at me."
At times it wasn't apparent who enjoyed the activity more - the students or the staff.
Amanda Brewer, a health teacher, was pumped when it was her turn to face the firing squad.
"All right! Bring it on," she said as she put on her hair net and goggles. "Sweet! I get to preserve my eye makeup."
After she was splattered by several students, she exclaimed: "That was really fun!"
Tre Holly, a 13-year-old eighth-grader, leapt over a bench on his way to line up for a chance to launch a pie at a staff member. He lucked out and was paired with John. He eyed his target - who was making faces to egg him on - and launched the projectile in the air, making contact with the side of the administrator's head. His classmates cheered wildly as a huge grin spread across his face.
"It felt real good to get the stress out since I can't do it in class," Tre said.
Lawren Henry, a 15-year-old eighth-grader, ignored the line that dictated where students could throw the pies, and walked right up to John to smash a pie in her face. His classmates were ecstatic as some students ran to capture the image with their digital cameras. John chased him down and eventually gave him a big hug, which in turn left a whipped cream imprint on his shirt. Both laughed heartily.
"I had to do it," Lawren later said. "She's the best principal ever. I had a fun time. I got to throw a pie in the face of a principal. Who wouldn't want to do that?"
The eighth-graders were the first group of students to leave Oakland Mills Middle with three years of PBIS training, which has left a sentimental feeling with John.
"They are dear to us," John said, shortly after hugging Henry. "They can cross the line."
Dillon said she was extremely pleased with the inaugural event.
"It was a hoot," she said. "You couldn't do this with kids who don't enjoy school. It was fun-spirited and a fun way to share in the end of the school year."
