EAGLE TRIBUNE
Sat, 23 Sep 2006

Teacher's nose broken as students brawl at high school

By Zach Church
Staff writer
LAWRENCE - A high school history teacher's nose was broken when he tried to stop a cafeteria fight between two students yesterday.
Pedro Payano, a teacher at Lawrence High School, stepped in to stop the 12:45 p.m. fight between Marlyn Severino, 19, of 137 Willow St. and a 15-year-old boy, police said.
The fight started with only words, but soon the two boys were punching each other in the face, Officer Marlene Bistany said.
The 15-year-old then kicked Severino in the torso, just before Payano tried to break up the brawl, which was attracting a large crowd, Bistany said.
"These kids were really getting into it, from what I understand," police Chief John Romero said.
Severino struck out with a metal serving spoon, hitting Payano in the face, Romero said. Payano's nose and glasses were broken.
Police charged Severino with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, malicious destruction of property over $250 and disturbance of school. The 15-year-old was charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and disorderly conduct.
Romero said at least two more students will be summonsed into court as a result of the fight.
"More kids will be charged," he said. "We know there were more people involved in it."