VICTORIA, Texas (AP) - Some band students in Victoria are
sticking to a colorful tradition.
     
An oak tree outside Memorial High School is adorned with an
array of gum. Band students are not allowed to chew gum during
practice.
     
David Edge, who has been Memorial High School band director
since 2000, noticed students opting to stick their gum on the tree
since he started the job.
     
Principal Richard LeFavers says the gummed tree is no problem as
long as it does not become a health or academic concern.
     
Skylar Garza, who is a junior, told the Victoria Advocate that
he has pasted at least four or five packs of gum on the tree since
his freshman year.
     
Garza says it's "pretty awesome, but pretty disgusting at the
same time."
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Information from: The Victoria Advocate,
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com
     
     
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
     
AP-NY-11-03-09 0924EST