PALATKA, Fla. – Palatka High School senior Zavier Valencia faces a felony battery charge after he attempted unsuccessfully to deck his principal in the face with a pie at his graduation ceremony Friday.

The 18-year-old allegedly approached principal James Stout as he handed out diplomas during the ceremony on the school’s football field Friday with a pie in hand and attempted to smash it in Stout’s face, Palatka Daily News reports.

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“It was one of my favorites, coconut cream pie,” Stout told the news site. “I was disappointed to see it end up on the ground instead of on my plate.”

Stout blocked the pie with his hands, and Valencia was quickly handcuffed and escorted away as the ceremony carried on, WJXT reports.

“Zavier said he did not understand why he was being arrested,” according to the police report.

The teen allegedly told police “it was just a senior prank.”

Putnam County Schools Superintendent Rick Surrency issued a statement describing “the pie incident” as “very unfortunate.”

“I regret that it took away from such a distinguished ceremony,” he said.

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The “pie incident” was especially unfortunate for Valencia, who was charged with third degree felony battery and a misdemeanor for disturbing the peace during a school assembly, WJXT reports.

Many folks who commented about the situation online think the criminal charges may be a bit overboard.

“Maybe it wasn’t the time or the place for the prank, but come on, a 3rd degree felony?” David Rosenblum posted to Facebook. “#alittleharsh”

“Making felons right off the graduation stage …,” Amber Nelson added.

“Wow,” Harvey Rosenblum posted. “50 hours of community service would suffice.”

Others believe the teen got exactly what he deserved.

“Play stupid games, you win stupid prizes,” Mitch Manning wrote. “He just won first place.”

“Not funny,” Melody Morris posted. “This wasn’t the time or place. Many have forgotten that graduation is not a party, it’s a solemn ceremony. The party comes afterward.”

“Look at me syndrome …,” Craig Spillert added.