W40 sprint champ deals with fatal shooting at school
Marjorie Milligan Jackson, a W40 national champion in the sprints, has been assistant principal at Foss High School south of Seattle since August 2004. On Jan. 3, tragedy visited her Tacoma school: One student fatally shot another. “My husband,” she recalls, “was traveling to the hospital and listening to NPR when he heard: ‘There has been a shooting at Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington.’ ” The following days were busy for Marjorie as she helped set up counseling for students and faculty. Masters track friends of hers nationwide sent her notes of sympathy and support. And she wanted me to pass along her heartfelt gratitude for their concern.
What was the next day like at Foss Hiigh?
Marjorie writes:
“On January 4 Foss High School had a late start (10:00 instead of 7:30) The Foss Staff, and Tacoma School District Crisis team (about 40 counselors) gathered at 6:45 for a meeting to encourage teachers to seek out assistance. We also discussed the protocol for students in need of assistance.
“We finished the meeting at about 7:30. A small group of counselors set up in the library so teachers could seek them out. However, most of the team decided that they would circulate the building and do “drop ins”. I thought this worked beautifully because there are some individuals who would not seek the assistance provided even if they were in need.
“At about 9:30 the counselors positioned themselves in the library, students also began to arrive at about this time. If students were in need of assistance they were given passes from their classroom teacher to go the library to talk with counselors.
“We have had a contingent of counselors in our building since the tragedy. The funeral for Samnag was held Tuesday, January 9. We were scheduled to have a “Moment of Blessing” today (Jan. 11). However, Wednesday night we had about a foot of snow so all activities and events were cancelled.”
I asked Marjorie about her training and competition goals.
She wrote: “My goals for this track season 100m: Faster than 12.88, 200m 26.5 This year I am planning to run the 400 meters this year with a goal of 59.0. However, the torrential downpours in November and the windstorm in December and now the snow has made training difficult. I have been relegated to 4 a.m. workouts at the local gym before I go to into Foss. But all of this seems so insignificant now. Thanks for your help.”
Me again:
No, thank YOU for being such a professional in a time of crisis. That’s the mark of a true champion.
