EFFORT AIMS TO KEEP GUNS OUT OF SCHOOLS

Once again, there is good evidence that one person can make a difference in a world all too often labeled as indifferent. In this case, an eighth grader at Jackson Junior High School has been working to get fellow students, teachers and townspeople involved in a special effort of national proportions. Today students and others will be asked to sign a pledge to keep guns out of schools. It is all a part of the Day of Concern About Young People and Gun Violence.

Two years ago, the U.S. Senate adopted a resolution that set aside the National Day of Concern. Then Jennifer Rhodes, the Jackson eighth grader, read a story by a teen-ager who was a witness at a school dance where a teacher was shot and killed by a classmate. The article also included suggestions on how teen-agers could get involved.

Jennifer decided to do something. She talked to her principal and solicited the support of Mayor Paul Sander and Superintendent Howard Jones. A friend contacted churches to get them involved.

Simply put, people who sign the National Day of Concern petition today will be showing their support for students who promise never to bring a gun to school, never to resolve disputes with a gun and to use their influence to keep friends from resolving disputes with guns.

While so much attention nationally has been focused on deadly incidents at schools elsewhere, the grim fact remains that schools in our area aren't immune to gun problems. Getting students involved here will at least spread the notion that there are better ways to deal with problems than by using a gun.