I’m not one for early mornings.
But when my phone rang at 7:47 last Monday morning, I knew something was sincerely wrong.
I woke up, groaned and, in my bright pink tee, finally my way to answer. Then, my assignment editor told me the unthinkable: there was a shooter at Chardon High School.
Chardon is a small, tight-knit community just an hour east of Cleveland. The area is known to be a winter wonderland more than anything. Seldom do we travel out there for anything else.
Yet, a few months ago, I visited the town for a story about teenagers who were selling T-shirts and raising tens of thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. “A pretty remarkable group of kids, coming up with the idea on their own. So selfless,” I thought.
Throughout the day, I made contact with those students I had met recently. Not just to learn of what all happened, but out of concern. When you meet people in this business—especially people who’ve done great things like these kids—it’s easy to become attached. I was relieved to learn they were all OK.
Three students have died from the shooting that too place in the Chardon cafeteria. One student remains in serious condition in the hospital, while another is well enough to go home.
I was there as Danny Parmertor, 16, the first victim to die, was laid to rest on Saturday. Funerals are planned for Demetrius Hewlin, 16, and Russell King, Jr., 17, later this week.
As we continue to learn details of the shooting, there’s no doubt it will continue to shake that small-town community, home of the Hilltoppers.
Regardless of what we think of news like this, it’s important to talk. To talk about why the event took place and how we can prevent it. To talk about how it makes us feel.
Yesterday, I attended a church service, where a pastor spoke about the importance of community and forgiveness.
A church member approached me and asked me how I was doing. Nobody has ever asked me that on assignment. It was nice that others recognize that journalists, too, are affected by the experience.
In the upcoming weeks, the reality of this tragedy will begin to settle. It will be a long time before the town, known for snow days and the Maple Leaf festival, will begin to heal.
But, my heart goes out to them as they begin to process and recoup from something that undoubtedly has affected each of their lives.
When I go to bed tonight, I plan to wear the same pink tee I had a week ago. A school spirit shirt from the Chardon Crazies, that very one the students sold to raise money for breast cancer. It reads “Crazy for a Cure.” That’s how I plan to remember Chardon High School. One community. One heartbeat. Embracing greatness. Not defined by tragedy.
Stay strong, Chardon.
NOTE: This blog is not an endorsement nor does it reflect the opinion of my employer, Fox 8 News. For the latest on the Chardon tragedy, go to Fox 8 News.