Standing Together

Submitted by kate.searle on

In the wake of the recent Florida shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, it’s natural that students everywhere are feeling apprehensive about safety in their schools. Payson High is one of those school’s whose student body is facing the particular fears and aftermath of such a massive tragedy. This was especially apparent on Sunday, March 4, when an alleged shooting threat directed towards PHS was spread around social media.

The Payson Police Department later discredited this, saying that the threat was simply a matter of false rumor. Even after finding out it was a hoax, Junior Dominique Colipi said, “Things like this scare me because they are unpredictable. I should have known better that it was a fake, but honestly, who could be 100% sure?” The implications of this incident show just how much High Schools need to come together.

After events in Florida, people nationwide have gotten caught up in the politics such as making schools safer and stricter gun laws. While these topics should be addressed and discussed, students, parents, and teachers forget to encourage one major thing: standing together. Senior Kaylea Clements says, “My attitude had changed towards the students here because I’m trying to recognize everyone more, to let them know they are needed and important to someone. Making everyone feel like a someone is VERY important to me.”

Offer support to one another in challenging times, like Florida citizens, our community should look to each other for comfort. Everyone attending Payson High needs to be a friend. If you see someone sitting alone during lunch, don’t be afraid go and talk to them. If you see another student getting bullied, don’t be afraid to defend them. Perhaps the best way to make our school a safer place is by being a friend to everyone.

Attributions
By Talbie Oberg, Millie Durfee & Alfonso De La Torre of the Lion's Roar Newspaper
Attachment Size
1449598358480.3.jpg 124.96 KB