Students, staff show leadership

To the staff and students of Snohomish High School:

I hope this letter finds you well — supporting one another during this difficult time and continuing to focus on your studies and activities.

With all the media attention your school has received the past few days, I wanted to give you another perspective, one from a person who witnessed your integrity in action.

I arrived at your school Monday morning, minutes after the stabbing, to teach six classes of seniors a few things I’ve learned about leadership over the years. I walked away with an education of what leadership is all about.

Instead of panic, I witnessed composure and calm.

Instead of gossip and speculation, I witnessed intelligent discussion.

Instead of anger and rage, I witnessed genuine concern for all involved.

Law enforcement officials deal with emergencies every day; our youth are not supposed to have to do the same. Yet, you conducted yourselves like professionals.

This community, indeed, the entire county and beyond, supports you as you come to terms with what happened and move forward. Remember, your school will not be defined by this incident, but by how you all respond to it in the coming weeks and months.

I hope no other student body in our county ever has to go through what you endured Monday, but if something should happen, I hope those students will be guided by your excellent example of leadership in the midst of crisis.

John Lovick
Snohomish County sheriff