By Liza Sieghart
Class of 2024
Although we are still only in the first quarter of the school year, we have already practiced several lockdown procedures and been reminded numerous times of the precautions we must take to ensure our safety, as the devastating event that took place on December 14th, 2012 still casts its shadow over our daily lives.
Forever etched in the forefront of our minds and hearts, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was tragic and hit extremely close to home (being located less than thirty miles away from NCHS). The death of twenty first-graders and six members of the elementary school staff was a major catalyst for change in the state.
Accordingly, as the eleven-year-anniversary approaches, it is important to remember how our school and our state has changed, as we continue to grapple with how the widespread proliferation of firearms has disrupted the safety and stability of society.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Connecticut General Assembly was determined to make changes in order to ensure the protection of Connecticut students such as ourselves. Connecticut Governor, Dannel Malloy, “added more than 100 firearms to its list of banned military-style weapons including the AR-15, mandated background checks for all gun purchases, and created the nation’s first dangerous weapon registry.”
After these changes were enacted, Connecticut became highly regarded throughout the nation as a beacon for thoughtful gun regulation and a leading proponent of student safety, preventing additional school shootings from occurring in the state.
Although it seems far away, the mark that Sandy Hook has left on all of us is still prevalent every day we walk into school. Throughout the nation, school security and mental health resources increased tremendously, especially in Connecticut.
When Officer Deak greets us in the hallways, it is a reminder that we are in a safe, secure, and well-protected environment. When Mr. Egan announces that there is going to be a lockdown drill, we are enhancing our ability to defend ourselves and protect our fellow classmates. And lastly, when we are forced to walk around to the main entrance of the school, it is to make sure that the entirety of NCHS is protected and separated from unwanted trespassers and intruders.
The simple yet impactful changes that were put in place following the murders in Newtown have decreased the prevalence of gun violence in Connecticut communities dramatically. Moreover, Connecticut has continued to pursue the path of creating stronger and safer school environments, as our elected officials have continued enacting bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures.
And although it is sad to remember the heartbreaking event that occurred, Meg Tarpey, a survivor of Sandy Hook, says that “there’s an aspect of it that is really beautiful… making something beautiful from tragedy.”
The beauty is how our community has grown stronger and become more cohesive over the years, as the student body and faculty of NCHS is more diligent about safety, both physical and mental, than ever before.
Our environment has transformed into a safe place for all students, with endless resources for those struggling with any aspect of student life. Overall, Connecticut is an exemplary model for the nation, showing others that thoughtful regulation and protocol enactment can benefit communities by ensuring greater public safety, security, and well-being.
