Evergreen High School Students Return Following Shooting Injuring Two Peers

Students and staff at Evergreen High School began a gradual return to campus over two weeks after a shooting incident on September 10 that left two students critically injured. The return included half-day schedules and group activities aimed at processing the trauma, alongside the implementation of new safety protocols. The alleged shooter entered during lunch when the full-time school resource officer (SRO) was on medical leave, and a part-time deputy covering multiple schools was occupied nearby; as a response, 14 full-time SROs will now be assigned to 12 schools, including Evergreen, with Deputy Odie Tucker appointed as the new full-time SRO at Evergreen. Community support was evident through hundreds of posters and signs displayed around the school, and school leaders emphasized the courage and resilience of the students and community. Experts highlighted the ongoing mental health challenges following such tragedies, noting the importance of providing space and kindness as individuals process the event differently. The school plans to resume full class schedules soon, balancing the need for a welcoming environment with enhanced safety measures.