Highman learned through her sister that her children were unharmed, but she hadn’t yet been reunited with them and didn’t know their exact whereabouts. Reflecting on the ordeal, she said, “I pray with my kids every morning that this won’t happen, and it’s the world that we live in.” Despite the tragedy, she expressed gratitude for her family’s safety.

Survivors Share Their Experiences

Among those who endured the tragedy was the Grange family—siblings Gideon and Ezra, who reunited with their mother, Brit, hours later.

Gideon described the principal’s announcement of a lockdown as unsettling, “I didn’t think much of it, but then it got really serious, and it was super sad. It kind of freaked everybody out.” He left the school without his coat, recalling the chaos as “crazy.”

Ezra, his sister, remembered hearing “gunshots and screaming.” Though terrified, she reassured others that she was feeling better after the long wait to reunite. During the ordeal, she texted her mom through her watch to let her know she was safe.

Brit expressed her relief, saying, “There’s no better feeling than knowing your kids are safe. My heart goes out to the families that aren’t that fortunate right now because we know them and love them.”

A Child’s Courage

One of the most remarkable acts of bravery came from 8-year-old second-grader Nora Gottschalk, who made the life-saving 911 call.

Nora had been in the hallway preparing for lunch when the shooting began. In an interview, she described witnessing a teacher she knew being injured, saying, “She was screaming, ‘Ah! My leg! Help, help!’”

Clutching a SpongeBob candy, Nora shared her emotions: “I was really scared, and I was really sad.”

A Community in Mourning

Abundant Life Christian School, with its close-knit community of around 420 students spanning kindergarten through high school, is known for its familial bonds. Parents and administrators have long described it as a place where everyone knows each other.

As the survivors begin to heal, the community’s support will be essential in navigating the long road to recovery. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by schools across the nation and the resilience of those left behind.