Community bonds together during uncertain times

One thing I heard about Sulphur Springs even before I moved here was how united the community was when times are tough.

If a cause needed support, you could depend on the citizens to bond together to meet a common goal.

I saw, when I was sports editor, the town get behind the Wildcats and support them in large numbers all the way to the state title in 2008.

Then, during the Jan. 18 bomb threat, I saw it again.

The school district had a plan in place and it all came together like clockwork.

You hate to even need a disaster, fire or bomb drill, but in these times you do. And, it is good to see it work the way it is supposed to.

The bomb threat was called into Sulphur Springs Elementary and so the campus was evacuated with more than a little help from a good neighbor, the League Street Church of Christ.

'We are very thankful for what League Street Church did for us, it was a life saver. I am so proud of how our teachers and campus administrators and campus staff handled themselves on that day. They all stepped up and let their leadership traits come to the forefront, and it was a very impressive thing to see. I know our parents were very appreciative of how our staff kept everyone calm and took care of our students as if they were their own,' said Michael Lamb, Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent.

The pastor of the nearby church, Jerry Savage, had these comments.

'It was a pleasure to be able to open our doors for the kids and faculty during that traumatic event. It just so happened that one of our prayer groups was at the church building early that morning and ready to receive the kids and staff as they came across League Street,' Savage said.

'The students were all very well behaved and the staff was amazing as they kindly coached the students through the process of reconnecting with their parents and caregivers as each was being picked up. For a number of years ,we at the church have 'adopted' various elementary school campuses around town to assist teachers with tutoring, special activities and events, so we were very familiar with the safety and care necessary for such a special group. However, our part was very small that day, as the school staff, administration and civil servants rose to the occasion and had things well in hand. We continually thank God for the successful results of that day,' he added.