Chardon are a small, modest town typically known for its maple syrup and its ridiculous amounts of snow. A town where everyone seems to know just about everyone. However, on February 27, Chardon ,Ohio, became known for something exceptionally awful: a horrifying and shocking tragedy that could quite possibly haunt us forever. But through love and determination, we have handled this disaster in ways that have made Chardon even more of an extraordinary community. “As the figurehead of this school,” said Principal Andy Fetchik, “it’s inspiring to see such remarkable unity and everyone working together to prove to everyone that this event will not define us.”

               As the images of our school changed from ambulances and SWAT teams to candles and flowers, our strength and resilience were shown in ways that only we can truly understand. We tied ribbons of black and red around trees, poles, and mailboxes and put signs up in our yards. We came together to pray at vigils and raised money for the victims’ families. We marched together while our community came to cheer us on. We hugged anyone who needed a hug. We shared each other’s grief and determination to overcome our pain. And we learned through these hard times to appreciate how remarkable life really is and that so many of the things that we usually worry about are of no significance whatsoever. 

                 Within the halls of Chardon High School, students are now surrounded by cards and banners and boxes of free food, but out-of-town support is not the only thing that keeps us all going—a newfound sense of togetherness helps us to move along. At this point, it no longer matters if you did not previously get along with some of your peers. You now see them in the hallway and feel thankful that they know exactly what you are going through. Second chances at friendships have never been more apparent, and this strengthened tie has allowed us to find a new normal. “I think the strengthened bond between classmates is astounding,” said senior Jenni George. “We all just dropped all the petty drama and worries we had to come together and be there for each other, no matter who it was. I’ve been hugging people and talking to people that I really knew before.” Senior Pat Quinn commented, “I have noticed a stronger connection between everyone at the high school. I have found myself talking to people I probably never would have if this did not happen.” Junior Lindsey Poyar agreed that there was definitely a stronger connection between students because we “all have gone through the same thing, so we all have something in common.” George also mentioned all of the fundraisers and events thatChardonHigh Schoolstudents have organized. “All the student-organized fundraisers and events have shown how even when tragedy happens, we can all pull together and make something great out of it. We have all formed a little support group within each other. Also, all the money raised through these events has got to be such a great help for the victims and their families,” she said.

                    Athletic director and newspaper advisor Mr. Snyder believes that this bond between students has always been strong. “The events of 2/27 have cemented it to a phenomenal degree,” He explains. “The unity and leadership among the students at this time has brought healing to all of us.” In response to this newfound comradeship, Snyder states that this bond may stand the test of time: “Time has a way of eroding bonds, but the long term effect will be that the students remain much closer than they were prior to the event.”

                 As far as looking toward to the future, Chardon students are going to keep their heads held high. Though the events of February 27 have forever changed our community, they will not define us. We will rise from the ashes, and we will overcome. Snyder stated that future students should never worry about their well-being at Chardon High School: “Chardon has always been a great place, and it will continue to be a great place.”