On Wednesday, October 10, 2007 two students and two teachers were shot at a high school in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The suspect, 14 year old Asa Coon, is said to have smuggled the weapon into the school and killed himself after the shooting. While it is unclear what motivated Coon to take these actions, the tragedy could still have been prevented.

The acts of violence could have been avoided if those who communicated with the suspect prior to the shooting had taken the appropriate actions. According to Marcus Whitman School Resource Officer John Peck, the shooting could have been prevented because “people were aware of [the suspect’s] intentions.” Other students, and possibly school staff members, knew what Coon planned to do, but didn’t alert the right authorities.

Some students, however, feel that, despite security and limitations, some events simply cannot be prevented. In the words of one Marcus Whitman Junior who wishes to remain anonymous, “There’s no way you can be prepared all the time.” To many, the prospect of constantly being on the watch for danger is daunting.

Actions are being taken at Marcus Whitman to ensure that students here do not become victims of disasters similar to the one that took place in Cleveland. Our school does not have metal detectors at all the entrances like some schools do. We do, however, have the ability to make students and people in the community conscience of the threats that exist. “It really is an awareness issue,” says Officer Peck. Staff members and students should always be aware that if they hear or see threats that suggest violent intentions, it should be reported. This could be the difference between learning in a safe environment and experiencing injury or death.