Preventing tragedy

Central High School senior Megan Ruth was in elementary school when she saw images of students fleeing from a Colorado high school.

In April 1999, the nation was shocked as two high school students opened fire on their Columbine High School classmates and teachers, and ultimately ended their own lives.

The Columbine shootings brought awareness to school safety issues. People began to realize the attacks could happen in their own communities and to their own families.

"I was 10 when the attack at Columbine occurred, and I was scared. I knew that it could happen anywhere at anytime to anyone," Ruth said. "It was pretty ridiculous then, and it still is now."

In recent months, the nation watched in horror as a spree of school shootings -- including one in an Amish school house -- took place across the country.

"It was really sad because anyone who has a grudge against the Amish is pathetic," said Sheldon Price, a senior at Poplar Bluff High School.

School violence hit close to home several weeks ago when rumors of a school shooting circulated through the halls of Central High School. The rumored threat occurred on a half-day of school, and some parents decided to keep their children home.

"I was depressed because my mother prevented me from getting an education I would have enjoyed," said Jake Kimball, a Central junior who remained home on the day of the rumored school shooting.

The students who did attend had a scare when a siren rang in between classes. The accidental siren had many students running for cover.

"It was pretty scary at school," Ruth said. "I know a lot of people were really jumpy."

Officer Adam Glueck watched students change classes outside the administration office at Central High School on Friday.

Some students deal with the fear of school violence by turning to religion.

"It's slightly scary, but then I remember that Jesus loves me and that if I die, I'll be in Heaven with him," said Bethany Parry, a junior at Jackson High School.

In today's society, many people stereotype and label students who are loners as school shooters.

"The public sees kids who wear all black and think they are more likely to bring a gun to school," Ruth said.

Many students feel this bias comes from the media's response to school shootings, while some go as far as to suggest the media has a role in these shootings.

"Movies and other media soften our view of death, and they glamorize school shootings," Parry said.

The negative view on the media extends to news coverage of school shootings, some students say.

"America shouldn't hear about all of the blood and gore, but the media needs to tell you what happen," Price said.

The recent attacks have several local political candidates questioning the issue of allowing teachers to carry guns in school. Such a policy worries students.

"The most lethal weapon teachers should be allowed to carry is a Taser gun, because that would only incapacitate you," said Patrick Bloebaum, a sophomore at Central High School. "Teachers can be irresponsible like anyone else."

Lauren Clark is a senior at Cape Central High School and a reporter for the school's newspaper, The Tiger.