Silsbee High School Students Write Letters of Support to Survivors of Georgia School Shooting

September 13, 2024 - In a display of empathy and solidarity, students in Mr. David Eller’s Animal Science classes at Silsbee High School took part in a meaningful lesson. Each student wrote a personal letter to a peer at Apalachee High School in Georgia, where a tragic school shooting occurred earlier this month. While Mr. Eller typically teaches lessons related to agriculture and science, this lesson was a change from his usual curriculum.

“My goal was to teach my students that, even in times of darkness, they can be a source of light and hope for others,” said Mr. Eller. “It’s heartbreaking that today’s youth have to face these realities so often. But I wanted them to understand that, no matter the distance, they can still make a positive difference.”

On September 4, 2024, a 14-year-old opened fire at Apalachee High School, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuring nine others. The victims included two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, along with teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53.

“I’m not sure if there are words that can truly comfort someone after such a tragedy,” added Eller. “But my hope is that through these letters, we can show the students in Georgia that they are not alone, and that people, even miles away, care about them and stand ready to offer support.”

The letters will be mailed on Monday, September 16, 2024, with delivery expected later this week or early next week.