#HarrisburgStrong

On Wednesday there was a shots fired incident at the school I used to work at. I've debated whether or not I even want to write this post, because honestly, having not been at the school when the incident happened, I don't really feel qualified to talk about it (and I can't even begin to imagine what kind of emotions the students and staff must be going through). I know little more than what has been released via the major news outlets--and what additional information I do know I'm not really in a position to share.

What I do know is that the assistant principal, who tackled the shooter, and the activities director, who helped hold him down, are well-deserving of the "hero" title they have been given. I do know that the principal, who suffered a flesh wound to his arm, will not let this incident define the school or change the way he leads his staff and students. I do know that the counselors, who probably never thought they'd have to deal with an incident like this, will provide exceptional care and guidance to all those who are struggling to process the incident. I do know that the staff, who have always been an amazing tight-knit bunch (and who made my decision to leave and stay at home a difficult one), will not only continue to be there for and support one another, but they will also continue to provide that support to their students, in addition to giving them an exemplary education.

No one in Harrisburg asked for a situation like this. And I'm sure no one quite knows exactly how to handle it and move forward from it. But I do know that they will come out of this incident as a stronger community than they have ever been.