The Westover High School community is extending heartfelt support to Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., following a tragic school shooting that claimed the lives of two teachers and two students one month ago. The horrific event on Sept. 4, which shook the entire state, has led schools across Georgia to reflect on the impact of such violence and the importance of solidarity during times of crisis.

In a gesture of compassion, Westover High School students and staff have come together to create a banner with signatures from all 1,400 students, offering a message of encouragement and unity to the Apalachee community. Along with the banner, Westover is sending a monetary donation of $2,180, which was raised over two days through a schoolwide effort.

Tamaje Chambers, a senior at Westover, emphasized the significance of showing solidarity in the face of such tragedies. "It’s important to show support to people affected by gun violence, especially in schools, because school is supposed to be a place where you feel safe," Chambers said.

For Principal William Chunn, the event served as a grim reminder that school shootings are a universal concern. "After 40 years in education, I know if it happened at Apalachee High School, it could happen anywhere. A school shooting at one school affects every school," Chunn said. His leadership spurred the school's initiative to provide support for Apalachee, which received an outpouring of participation from the entire student body.

J’Maryan Pollard, another senior at Westover, echoed that sentiment, expressing how the shooting hit close to home. "It was shocking because it could have been Westover High School. It could have been me," Pollard said.

The funds raised, along with the signed banner, were sent to Apalachee High School as a symbol of love and support from the Westover community. Teachers and students alike hope this small gesture will bring comfort to the students and staff of Apalachee as they continue to navigate their recovery.

"We were overwhelmed and grieved with them. We’re praying that they get through it, and we will never forget. This is our way of showing them our love and support," said Jaqueline Floyd, a teacher at Westover.

As Apalachee High School begins to heal from this devastating event, the Westover High School community stands united in its commitment to support and solidarity, reminding them that they are not alone.