Since the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, a total of nine school shootings were reported across the country, the most significant being that which occurred at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. The shooting took place in early September, killing two students and two teachers.
Videos of the aftermath were posted on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, giving students across the United States access to witness the tragedy and its effects. A TikTok made by a student at Apalachee High School was posted shortly after the shooting, garnering nearly 6 million views, showcasing the impact it has had on our entire generation.
Sophomore Maddy Hannah expresses her thoughts regarding the uncertainty many students may struggle with during the back-to-school season.
“It’s so scary to hear about [school shootings], knowing some of my family and friends live close to where they happen,” Hannah said. “It’s also extremely devastating knowing there are horrible people like that in the world who’d do that to kids. It makes me nervous knowing that it’s a very real possibility that it could be our school next or one of someone that I love.”
With safety simulations such as ALICE being implemented into the district’s drill requirements, it can make these possibilities all the more realistic. The re-creation of what a true lockdown would feel like is an incredibly scary experience, even for those who have been doing it for years on end.
With all the fear that can cloud students’ minds, walking through the doors in the morning may feel nerve-wracking to some, but Southern Lehigh is one of the safest schools in the Lehigh Valley according to Officer Christopher Litz, the high school’s resource officer.
“Every many number of years we do security tests, and if there are any flaws in any type of security that we have at the schools, they’re addressed and fixed,” Officer Litz says. “ There is usually a plan in place to get things more secure, but at this point, I think we’re doing as much as we can. It’s definitely one of the safest schools as far as I’m aware.”
Southern Lehigh has made it a goal to create a school environment where all students can learn comfortably, through implementing precautions such as security cameras inside and outside all campuses, automatic locking doors at all classrooms and entrances, keeping patrolmen in the area during school hours, and a handful of other provisions.
“In our part as a district, we can only do so much. It takes the students, it takes the teachers, it takes the administration to work with each other, like closing the doors during class to deter anything from happening if something would happen, staying alert, being visual, and always reporting something if it’s amiss,” Officer Litz says.
As the school year progresses, more shootings will inevitably happen around the country, and may become more local, due to the unfortunate reality of our society. In fact, we’ve already seen gun threats made in Upper Darby High School, just over an hour south. The best course of action we as students can take is to remain conscious of our surroundings at all times.
Senior Kenzie Rugg gives her own advice to fellow students on how we can stay safe and protect those around us.
“If anyone’s saying anything strange, or acting in a negative way that isn’t exactly usual for themselves, I’d suggest reporting it to someone at school because it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Rugg says. “Along with that, check up on your friends, or even anyone who just seems down. We never know what people are going through and we never know what’s going through people’s heads. The things that seem so miniscule can really change someone’s mindset, even if we don’t think so.”