Public Safety
11:14 am
Mon September 10, 2012
Prayer Observance Held at Normal Community High School
More than 400 people turned out for a prayer observance Sunday evening at Normal Community High School in the wake of the hostage taking incident in a Friday morning health class.
"It's going to be a little bit scary, but I'm glad we won't have to go back into the same classroom. A lot of people are going to act really different. They're going to notice the smaller things more, and be thankful for the things that they have. And I'm glad for that." - Shubhang Desai, Student
Shubhang Desai says he was in the classroom held at gunpoint by a boy who forced the teacher and students to listen to his problems. He says it was important for him to support his fellow classmates in that room, though he's a little nervous about resuming school.
The high school has switched the health class to a different room. The teacher disarmed the gunman. There were no physical injuries. Shubhang's mother Pinky Desai says her extended family has been calling from India to comfort them. She says on Friday her son was in a bad shape, but over the weekend he had his friend came over for a sleepover. She says she think he's getting better and will be fine soon. After scripture readings, the crowd broke up into small groups around the perimeter of the school to pray. The person whose Facebook post started the gathering says she is thankful for the result. Julie Heinold says 400 people was more than she counted on. Some students of NCHS say they appreciate the support from the prayer group. Counselors will be available. Those students who were not able to retrieve their belongings following the evacuation of the school and the all clear, may do so this morning before school.