You never think it will happen to you.
Many overlook news coverage of mass shootings because they have become so frequent that they seem almost normalized. Despite going to school every day, I had little knowledge or concerns about the school shooting crisis America faces. I never imagined it could affect me or somebody I care about.
Everything changed on December 16, when a 15-year-old student at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) in Madison, Wisconsin opened fire in her study hall classroom at 10:57 a.m. The attack, lasting less than 10 minutes, killed 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara and substitute teacher Erin West.
With a small student body valuing faith and community, ALCS was the last place I expected a deadly shooting to occur. However, my assumptions were incorrect.
My cousin Emma is a sophomore at ALCS. She and her three siblings enrolled in the school in 2023 and were there on December 16. Shortly after students and faculty heard the first shots, the PA system announced the lockdown—“this is not a drill.” A second grade teacher then called 911. Twenty uncertain minutes later, students began evacuating the school.
Emma said, “We do lockdown drills so everyone knew what to do.”
Teachers and staff acted fast to protect students. “Some kids were in the hallway, so they were rushed into a classroom and barricaded in,” Emma said. Once classroom doors were locked, teachers shut off the lights and moved tables in front of the doors. Students then hid in the corner of the classroom, out of sight.
“I do think [the drills] saved lives,” Emma said.
The reality of gun violence in the U.S. is undeniable, as shown in an unsettling trend across the nation. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the U.S. saw 503 mass shootings in 2024 alone, resulting in the deaths of 1,415 children and teenagers. Despite these statistics, few anticipate that they would be affected by a school shooting. Though lockdown and active shooter drills can create a sense of security, the truth is that a tragedy like the one at ALCS could happen at any school, anywhere.
In a nation where gun violence has become widespread, especially affecting children and teenagers, schools must evaluate how they are keeping their students safe. While coming to terms with the reality of what happened at ALCS, I reflected on the safety measures in place at Latin. What steps does Latin take to prevent such tragedies and protect students in the event of a shooting?
A few of the many preventative measures Latin takes to ensure the safety of students and employees include surveillance via security cameras, doors that lock externally and internally, safety drills, and emergency response and action protocols. These steps help to keep students and staff safe, especially in recent years, when school shootings have become increasingly common in the U.S.
Director of Operations Chanel King said, “We’ve strengthened our physical security by upgrading entry systems [and] installing new surveillance cameras.” She continued, “All entrances remain secure during school hours.” Partnership with local law enforcement ensures that Latin is informed of the latest trends in school security.
In terms of preparation, Latin practices regular safety drills, including lockdown and active shooter drills.
“These drills are designed to educate without creating unnecessary fear,” Ms. King said. This approach ensures all students and staff know how to respond calmly and effectively in an active shooter scenario.
In the case of an active shooter in one of the buildings, Latin has detailed lockdown procedures in place.
“The FBI and other governmental security agencies often use the idea of Run, Hide, Fight in active shooter situations,” Head of School Thomas Hagerman said.
Latin’s lockdown procedure states its own version of Run, Hide, Fight. The procedure asks students to find a faculty or staff member, go to a classroom, lock the door, and remain as quiet as possible. It highlights the importance of avoiding open spaces, such as hallways, auditoriums, libraries, or cafeterias.
Learning about the carefully designed protocols Latin has in place to keep the community reassured me that I attend a safe school.
Complementing the safety measures, the mental health of Latin’s community is a top priority for Latin’s administration, which plays a large role in the prevention of violence. If a student is struggling mentally, it is important that all teachers are able to offer support and guidance. “A sense of inclusion and belonging is critical for the well-being of everyone, especially children and youth today,” Dr. Hagerman said. “It is important that students at Latin are seen, heard, understood, and respected for who they are and the unique strengths that they bring to our broader school community.”
The trusted adults in Latin’s community can be a safe space to discuss mental health challenges. “Being part of a safe and caring community may also necessitate being in the uncomfortable position of sharing concerns about a struggling friend or acquaintance,” Dr. Hagerman said. “Administrators, counselors, deans, faculty, and nurses at Latin are available to address academic, social, and family stressors.”
Upper and Middle School counselor Clara Wade said, “All community members are encouraged to seek out a trusted adult if they have concerns about themselves or others.”
Attention to Latin’s community welfare demonstrates a commitment to student safety. The importance of these steps became evident to me due to my personal connection to the tragedy that shook the U.S. on December 16.
ALCS students returned to school on Friday, January 10, with support from their community. “So many people sent cards and hearts so those are all over the walls, which is nice to see,” Emma said. However, facing those who had lost a loved one at the shooting proved the most challenging. “It is sad to see the kids who lost their mom,” she said. “I can’t even imagine.”
As ALCS grieves, the outreach from their community has helped those affected persevere. “It’s so powerful to see how everyone came around us,” Emma said. Police and therapy dogs now line the halls, offering support and peace of mind to students, teachers, and faculty.
“I had a class with the shooter,” Emma said. “You would never expect anyone to do this, it’s just a shock.”
The mass shooting that Emma survived marked the 83rd and final U.S. school shooting in 2024, according to CNN. This national crisis seemed distant to me until it struck close to home. Up until the day of the shooting, I could not name one of the previous 82. I could not name one school, one victim, or tell one story because I never thought I would be affected. Until I was. My family will never forget December 16, and neither will the survivors from ALCS.
“It’s never going to be the same,” Emma said.
