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Vandals cause $15K in damage at Lake Mary HS

LAKE MARY, Fla. — When Lake Mary High School Principal Michael Kotkin found the auditorium in shambles, he said it looked like a small bomb had gone off.

The 12,000-square-foot room, just outfitted with $20,000 in new carpet and a newly painted stage, was blanketed in dust from several fire extinguishers at the hands of vandals who broke in Friday night.

"A yellow haze filled the room, filled our clothes, glasses, shoes," Kotkin said.

As he looked around, Kotkin said he felt shock and disappointment.

"It was heartbreaking a little bit, to tell you the truth," Kotkin said.

School officials called the Seminole County Sheriff's Office and snapped photos of the stage, chairs and carpet covered in fire extinguisher powder.

"It looked like footsteps in snow," Kotkin said.

While the vandals took off, security cameras were able to catch two white males believed to be the culprits, but officials said the images are blurry.

Investigators were able to dust the fire extinguishers and obtain fingerprints they hope will help them catch the vandals.

Parents of students and volunteers spent the weekend cleaning the auditorium.

Hired crews worked on the rest of the damage Monday, which officials said could cost as much as $15,000.

Deputies said they're working to find the vandals. School district officials hope they do.

Kotkin said the district will apply the appropriate consequences if it has to.