LEWISTON — Just how much duct tape is needed to tape Lewiston Middle School Principal Jake Langlais to the wall?
A lot, students found out.
Lewiston Middle School students in the Jobs for Maine Graduates program raised money to help a family in need this holiday season by selling long strips of duct tape to tape Langlais to the wall.
The wall taping was held Monday during the school’s lunch periods. It was well-attended.
“There was a fair amount of laughter,” Langlais said Tuesday, adding that he kept one hand free for his comfort. “Kids were walking by giving me high-fives, laughing.”
Standing on milk crates, the taping took nearly two hours. “It wasn’t that comfortable,” he said with a laugh.
Jobs for Maine Graduates teacher Christopher Webb said he does a community service project with his students every year to sponsor a family at Hope Haven Gospel Mission, a local homeless shelter. This year, his students raised $250 to provide a Christmas to a family with children ages 6 to 14.
During the past two years his students raised money through “penny wars” Webb said. “This year they wanted to do something different,” he said.
The idea of taping a teacher to the wall came up. Webb offered to be the victim.
Then, Langlais offered.
“He’s more of a central figure to the school. Everyone got behind it,” Webb said.
Tape was sold at 30 feet for $1. Students and staff were enthused, especially Michael Lacomb, the school resource officer.
On taping day, students and staff who bought tape were allowed to apply it. As the last lunch period ended around 1 p.m. and the last donor taped, everyone was curious to see whether the tape would hold Langlais when the milk crates were removed.
A crowd of people with phones gathered around taking photos and videos. The milk crates were removed. Langlais’ feet dangled. The tape held!
“The hallway exploded with laughter and clapping,” Webb said. “The kids loved it.”
With the money that was raised, Webb and his students have been shopping for presents for six children.
“We’re wrapping today,” he said Tuesday.
Langlais said he volunteered because he wanted to bring joy and laughter to the school as students started their holiday break. Wednesday is the last day of school until after New Year’s Day.
“We’ve had a tough fall,” Langlais said, referring to the death of eighth-grader Jayden Cho-Sargent, who died Nov. 3 when he was struck by a motorist as he walked to school.
Langlais said he wanted “to send the kids away with a smile.”
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