Earlier this week, two Matanzas High School students were arrested after allegedly burglarizing vehicles on campus. The incident, which took place on April 9, involved 15-year-old Mya Lynn Rogers and 14-year-old Allyson Oberland, both of Palm Coast. According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the students intentionally skipped first period to break into cars parked behind the school. A witness reported the suspicious activity, leading to a swift investigation by School Resource Deputies. At the time of their arrest, stolen items were found in their possession.
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Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized the department’s zero-tolerance policy for crime in schools, praising the witness for speaking up and the deputies for their quick response. His statement carried a sobering message for parents: *”Parents need to be the Sheriff in their homes and teach their kids that skipping class to commit auto burglaries is illegal and is not what school is for. These students are now facing felonies. Parents, talk to your children about the consequences of their actions, or we will when we arrest them.”*
The charges against both students are serious—Burglary of a Conveyance, Larceny, and Petit Theft—and while they were released to their parents per the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s directive, the legal ramifications remain. Superintendent LaShakia Moore echoed the Sheriff’s stance, reinforcing the district’s commitment to safe learning environments and urging students and staff to continue following the “See Something, Say Something” protocol.
**A Moment for Reflection**
This situation serves as a difficult but necessary reminder of the importance of accountability—for students, parents, and the community as a whole. Adolescence is a time of growth, mistakes, and learning, but some choices carry heavier consequences than others. While no one wants to see young people face legal trouble, the reality is that actions have repercussions, and early intervention can sometimes prevent more severe outcomes down the road.
For parents, this is an opportunity to have open, honest conversations with their children about responsibility, peer influence, and the long-term impact of impulsive decisions. For students, it’s a chance to recognize that what might seem like a minor act in the moment can lead to life-altering consequences. And for the community, it’s a call to continue looking out for one another, reporting suspicious activity, and supporting young people in making better choices.
**Moving Forward with Compassion and Awareness**
No one benefits from vilifying teenagers who make mistakes, but accountability is a crucial part of growth. The hope is that this incident becomes a turning point—not just for the students involved, but for others who may need a wake-up call. Schools should be places of learning, safety, and support, and maintaining that environment requires everyone’s vigilance.
If anything positive can come from this, it’s the reinforcement of community values: speaking up when something isn’t right, guiding young people toward better decisions, and understanding that prevention is always better than punishment. Let’s use this moment to reflect, educate, and strengthen our commitment to keeping Flagler County’s schools safe for all students.
