Local School Reaches Out To Students In Chardon

COLUMBUS, Ohio --

Horizon Science Academy Middle School on Morse Road is far away from Chardon, Ohio.

But after the terror the Chardon students went through this week, students in Columbus feel closer than ever.

"I was pretty sad. It could happen to anybody," said 8th grader Dharar Abdussabar.

The moment the shots were fired at Chardon High School, students and faculty members at Horizon wondered how they could help.

"One of the questions we asked was, 'What can we do?' Wear red in support: excellent idea," Shawn Ritter, a teacher at Horizon Science Academy said.

Friday, students gathered around the flag pole outside the school, signed cards, took pictures and prepared to send the items to the students in Chardon.

"It was important because we wanted to show our support because what they are going through is pretty rough," Abdussabar said.

Faculty members said it shows exactly the bond that ties students, no matter how far away they are.

"Pride goes through your mind. It is exciting to see a group of young people, middle schoolers, reaching out to fellow students and staff," Ritter said.

Now comes the healing process, and the local students hope they can help in that.

"I'd tell them that everything will be alright. [In] every dark tunnel, there is always a light," Abdussabar said.