It was a cold January afternoon when the halls of Ledyard High School witnessed an unspeakable act; an act that many would deny even happened. It was the day a black North Face jacket disappeared.

“I noticed something different about the atmosphere,” senior Karina Zhao said. “I was aware of the missing jacket that morning and throughout the day it was hard for me to imagine someone actually stealing this special coat. I applaud Mr. Turner for his efforts in his investigation of the jacket.”

Assistant Principal William Turner published several announcements on Ledyard.net and students were told to speak to him if they had any information regarding its location. However, Turner spent several weeks focusing on students but his investigation should have turned to his neighbor, Principal Amanda Fagan.

“Look, I’m not saying I did it, because it’s certainly not been proven, but everyone knows that my wardrobe consists mostly of black dresses and black sweaters,” Fagan said. “If I stole the coat and, remember, I’m not saying I did, it would probably be because it went so nicely with my all black wardrobe.”

While Turner attempted to keep the search under the radar, Fagan has been affected by the rumors. Since the story spread, her job is no longer secure. “Ever since the front page news article in The Day about my being put on administrative leave over this, people have treated me differently,” she said. “I see them hold their purses a bit tighter and put their hands over their wallets. I overheard Mr. Winters telling Mr. Turner not to wear a coat around me because I ‘can’t be trusted.’”

Since the disappearance of the black North Face, administration has put a majority of their focus on making sure the lost and found bin is surrounded by security cameras. This is a small step for mankind, but a huge step for Ledyard.

As for Fagan, she will continue to rebuild her reputation in the community. The unsolved mystery could have long-lasting effects on her career but the accusation is what will puzzle her the most.

“I would have thought that by now people would know me better than to think that I would do something like this,” she said. “Have I been known to take home a nice hoodie or a hoppin’ pair of sweats if they stay in the Lost and Found for too long? Sure. But would I steal a coat? Probably not.”

Megan Brawner, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Megan Brawner is the Editor-in-Chief of the 2015-2016 Colonel. She is the captain of the cross country team and runs Indoor and Outdoor Track. She participates in Youth United for Global Action and Awareness (YUGA) Club and is the secretary of the Senior Class. She is the Editor of Key Club. She will attend Central Connecticut State University to study Business next fall.