by Alex Muehlberger

The most recent school shooting occurred when a gunman killed 20 children, 6 adults and then himself in a senseless rampage at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown Connecticut, December 15, 2012. Although STA has advanced technology and a secure security system, how are the students feeling? What is STA doing to prevent tragedies like Sandy Hook?

After talking with the principal of student affairs Mary Anne Hoecker, she gave some information regarding what STA is doing to keep the four building campus safe.

“Officer Brent Parsons will be on our campus for a period of time to take pictures of our classrooms in the event anything happens. We also have name tags for every one entering the school, and more pads on the doors (back of cafeteria, south end of Donnelly),” said Hoecker.

The tragedy of the Connecticut shooting has affected millions all over the world, especially the U.S. It is hard to imagine how upset parents and teachers are as well as all of the students. According to my sources, STA is doing everything possible to keep everyone safe. Sargent Wynn, one of STA’s officers who will be patrolling the premises periodically, had a funny encounter with the security system.

Hoecker said, “Wynn couldn’t get into the building one day because of the security system; he said that was a good thing. Of course we let him in.”

STA’s counselor Kelly McKee, had great input regarding the shooting and if she has encountered any worried students.

“I think the shooting is a wake up call to everyone; to be aware that you never know when something horrific may happen. It generally makes us and myself feel better that extra measures are being taken. That way we aren’t completely taken off guard. Up to this point, I have not had any students come talk to me regarding their safety,” said Mrs. McKee.

The shooting in Connecticut was more of a wake-up call than a fright for STA according to sources. With STA’s advanced technology, and officers patrolling the premises periodically, it is armed and prepared in the event anything would happen.

“I feel safe at STA with everything the school is doing. Even though it didn’t happen in Kansas, it’s a good reminder that bad things like that happen. It was very alarming and upsetting, and I can’t imagine the pain it caused people. It’s an event to remember,” said freshman Ellie Porterfield.

The Connecticut shooting that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary was a tragedy for many. It is the second deadliest elementary school shooting in U.S. history according to the Huffington Post. This devastating event was a safety check and a wake-up call for schools to reform their security systems all over the U.S.