MEEKER | Feb. 14 is known as Valentine’s Day, as it should be. But, as of two years ago, that day holds a different meaning for everyone affected by the Parkland High School shooting. It was supposed to be a normal school day but instead is now known as one of the deadliest school shootings since Columbine High School.
While this particular shooting wasn’t the biggest, it was the first that shined a light on the fact “thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough. Even with all of the outcry and activism going on after Parkland, just three months later Sante Fe High School in Texas suffered the loss of eight students and two teachers. Sadly, these weren’t the last of the school shootings. In total the U.S suffered 49 school shootings with injury or death in the last two years — 43 killed and 122 injured. That’s just the last two years, that doesn’t include Sandy Hook or Columbine. If we added in those numbers it would be equivalent to roughly two classes at MHS. The thought is sickening to even think about.
With numbers like that, it’s bound to have an impact on the lives of students and faculty in schools across the nation. The anniversary of Parkland influenced me to see what the students and staff of Meeker High School think about everything going on in today’s world.
The answers that I got were truly eye-opening. I didn’t realize how much of an impact the shootings would have on people because we live in such a small town, but I can say that it definitely is on people’s minds.
A majority of students had relatively similar opinions on the topic. Most said they could empathize with victims after a shooting happens, but in Meeker we are so isolated they feel disconnected. Which should be uplifting because that means that we haven’t had to experience something as tragic as what might happen in a larger city.
Some also said our town can be naive in thinking something like this couldn’t happen here. Everyone would like to believe we know our students to the point where we could see the signs. But what if we’re so caught up in that thought that we miss something, that in turn ends in a consequence?
The kids who said they didn’t believe it could happen here believe that’s because we have good student-teacher relationships. Every kid in our school has at least one teacher they can connect with and can trust. This is unbelievably important in the big picture but can easily be taken advantage of.
Students also said publicity plays a part in today’s events. Some feel we publicize shooters so much they get famous for what they’ve done. When those students elaborated on that point they said some of the motivations have expanded to getting recognition for what they have done.
Members of the staff seemed to agree with the students to an extent. Some I talked to said they like to believe they know their students, but in the end we’re naive to think it couldn’t happen here. When I asked what they feel after a shooting occurs, they said it was almost an eerie feeling; like they were looking over their shoulders constantly. That’s a feeling teachers shouldn’t have to experience.
School is meant to be a safe space for students. A place where kids can get away from their home life to socialize, to learn, and to prepare for our future. That’s the way it should be, but it has slowly turned into a question of safety. No parent should have to worry about sending their child to school and no kid should ever have to be scared or worried to go to school. No teacher should have to constantly look over his or her shoulder and second guess their students. A school should be a safe place.
By SOPHIA GOEDERT | Special to the Herald Times
