Perry Hall High School Rebounds From Tragic Shooting With A Huge Homecoming Bash
PERRY HALL, Md. (WJZ)-- Nearly two months after a gunman opened fire on the first day of school, the Perry Hall community comes together. Large crowds turn out for homecoming weekend as new security changes take effect.
Meghan McCorkell has more.
It's certainly been a trying school year at Perry Hall High School. But people we spoke with say they are proud of how their community has come together through this difficult time.
Music, dancing and lots of school spirit as hundreds turn out for Perry Hall High School's homecoming.
It's a big change from the first day of school when police say 15-year-old Robert Gladden opened fire inside the cafeteria, shooting 17-year-old Daniel Borowy.
Since that day, the community has come together.
"First day of school was a shocker," Art Frank, the parent of a Perry Hall student, said. "But this is what Perry Hall is all about. We get like this together and we have a good time."
The shooting in Perry Hall was one of the incidents that sparked the Baltimore County police chief to sign off on metal detecting wands in all schools.
The wands will only be used if a school resource officer suspects a crime is about to happen.
Parents say they are on board with the new precaution.
"Times are hard. Times are getting worse and it's got to happen," Chris Moeller, a parent of a Perry Hall High School student, said.
"Really not a response, a big response or questions from parents," George Roberts, the principal of Perry Hall High School, said. "We're just focusing on getting our school together and moving forward."
Police have also beefed up patrols in and around schools and precincts are now giving away free gun locks.
Students say, besides security, there's been another big change inside the school.
"I know for sure that people have stopped picking on each other," Deli Okafor, a junior at the school, said. "We've all become friends, no matter who you are, what you look like, we've all come together."
The handheld metal detectors were issued in schools earlier this week.
Baltimore County schools have also formed a new Office of Safety and Security.
