A look back on horror that's become reality in our schools

What were you doing 10 years ago today?

Probably watching the television in horror.

Ten years ago, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris massacred 12 students and one teacher at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., before turning their guns on themselves. Twenty-three more were wounded.

I was 24 when that happened and covering a school district in suburban Bolingbrook for another newspaper.

I had to get reactions from students and police liaison officers, who walked the halls in plainclothes but had their guns holstered on their belts.

Overall, I remember being absolutely stunned and in shock. How could people do that?

Now I have my own student in third grade. What will high school be like for him?

At the time, Columbine was the worst school shooting in our country's modern history. Sadly, that death toll has been surpassed for the infamous distinction as "worst."

The question - "Could it happen here?" - was answered last Feb. 14 at Northern Illinois University.

Now it seems like there's a school shooting each month. Or week.

We, or at least I, have become desensitized to some extent.

But at least we've learned.

Law enforcement agencies specifically train for shootings. Local schools and colleges have emergency plans. Teachers go through drills.

Technology - like text messages on wireless phones - can alert and warn people while giving parents and their kids a way to communicate during a crisis.

Officials are taking more steps to stop, or at least decrease, bullying in schools. Kids are more willing (we hope) to blow the whistle on a plot to shoot people.

So there is some reason to be optimistic.

But no matter what precautions that are taken, it's just a matter of time before the next school shooting - at a high school, college or God forbid, middle school.

Call me a pessimist, but the reality it's a fact of life now.

And a very sad one for all us.

On a positive note: The Black Student Association at Elgin Community College will hold a food drive from April 27 to May 2.

Several drop-off areas are planned, with the main one being the SRC, or Student Resource Center.

The BSA held a food drive this past fall and collected about 2,000 items.

Benjamin Howard, an ECC student and BSA vice president, said the group wanted to hold a weeklong drive so students that only got to classes a few days a week would still be able to contribute.

"We want to show to our community that we're here to help," he said.

Items collected will got to the Elgin Community Crisis Center and Salvation Army. Non-perishables and canned goods are recommended.

The initiative drew praise from former Elgin City Councilwoman Brenda Rodgers, who also is assisting with the drive.

"It's kids that are getting involved with their community. They're seeing a need to help out," she said.

For information, call (847) 214-7656.