In the aftermath of last Thursday's fatal shooting outside the Hot Springs Convention Center following the Hot Springs World Class High School graduation, Garland County school districts expressed their support and united concern for the community as a whole.
The incident, which left one dead and three wounded, occurred shortly after 9 p.m., when a large fight broke out in an adjacent parking lot across from the convention center.
Nancy Anderson, superintendent of Cutter Morning Star School District, said school safety is something she is very passionate about and the incident hit close to home for her.
"My prayers and thoughts have been with my dear friend, Dr. Stephanie Nehus, the Hot Springs District, and the community as they have been dealing with this horrible event," she said.
"As a superintendent, our number one priority is the safety of students and staff," she said.
"We are so focused on 'education'; we work hard every day trying to increase student achievement, growing, developing, nurturing, and meeting the needs of all our students and staff," Anderson said. "Sometimes I think we get so caught up in our 'education work' we don't have the time to recognize the evil that is all around us."
Anderson said it is not that people are "naive" to the dangers in society, but rather that they expect other more qualified agencies to deal with issues outside the schools.
Jessieville School District Superintendent Melissa Speers said she hopes the graduates don't let what happened after the graduation affect the proud, joyous moments they shared inside earlier during the ceremony.
"It is unfortunate that a milestone event in the lives of students will forever be remembered by them as a night marked by violence," she said.
Lake Hamilton School District Superintendent Shawn Higginbotham echoed Speers' sentiments.
"The incident that occurred following the Hot Springs commencement ceremony was very unfortunate. It minimized a very special event and evening honoring their graduates," he said.
"The Lake Hamilton School District sends our thoughts and prayers to all of those involved. Leading up to our Lake Hamilton High School commencement ceremony on May 20, we will continue working with Bank OZK Arena staff, security personnel, and law enforcement agencies to ensure the ceremony is conducted in a safe and secure environment," he said.
Shawn Cook, superintendent of Lakeside School District, said Lakeside is also lifting up and supporting the community right now.
"Hot Springs School District is a great school district," he said. "It's always so sad when something like this happens in our great community."
Anderson noted this was basically the first year in a while without COVID-19 restrictions, in which students were able to have a "normal" graduation. She said it is very "sad and disheartening" to be living in the present culture and climate.
"It is nothing but pure evil. I pray every day for all the good in the world to overcome the bad. Cutter Morning Star, like other districts in the county and across the state know we all must work together to keep our students and communities safe," she said.
"Law enforcement agencies, DESE, students, parents, elected officials, judges, court representatives, mental health providers, school districts, communities, and many others need to work together to develop solutions to prevent these tragic events. Starting by holding the individuals accountable to the full extent of the law," Anderson said.
In a statement Monday afternoon, the Hot Springs School District said, "We deeply appreciate the support and love from our Hot Springs community as we all heal together from such a traumatic and tragic event in our city."