The second of two graffiti messages left in a Wenatchee High School girls restroom. (Photo provided by Alexis Lovitt).
Second graffiti message: Take me seriously
September 27, 2016
A second graffiti message, warning police and administrators to take the first message seriously, was found by Wenatchee High School students in a girls restroom yesterday.
The first message alluded to an act of violence planned for Oct. 7, a date on which many students are saying they plan to skip school. On Sept. 23, the Wenatchee Police Department said that there was no viable threat. Parents, however, are not so sure.
“My mom won’t let me go,” senior Tammy Doan said. “She’s very paranoid about these things… I don’t see it as that big of a thing, but my mom does.”
Doan mentioned that several of her friends won’t be attending school out of their own concerns.
“If it’s an actual thing, coming to school could be risky,” Doan said.
The threatening nature of these messages has created alarm among the student body.
“I’m worried about my friends’ safety and my safety,” junior Chellbie Johnston said. “This is something you should always worry about, whether it’s a joke or not.”
Other students aren’t as concerned, feeling that the school is safe.
“It doesn’t threaten me,” sophomore Destiny King said. “I didn’t even hear about it until my teacher said something about it.”
The original message “was written within a two-inch square in pencil in the last stall of a female bathroom,” according to a voice message from the school sent out to parents last night. The message also mentioned that “according to police, a female committing an act of school violence is extremely rare.”
WHS Principal Eric Anderson said that he was advised by police not to disclose any further information, as there is an active investigation. As of 2 p.m. today, no police report has been filed.
“We’re in a no-win situation,” Anderson said. “Parents are asking us for more information; the police are telling us to wait.”
Anderson said that additional security staff have been temporarily hired for the duration of the investigation.
The date alluded to in the first graffiti message has frustrated ASB officers, whose Homecoming assembly is scheduled to take place on Oct. 7.
“We work so hard to make our school feel welcome and safe,” junior ASB activities coordinator Alexis Lovitt said. “We’re hearing that kids don’t want to come to school on one of the biggest days of the year… Everyone’s nervous. [The graffiti] is going to be at the back of everyone’s mind during the assembly. It’s going to be scary no matter what.”
Moving the Homecoming assembly date was discussed by ASB members, according to Lovitt, but they decided to keep the date.
“We’re not going to let this thing dictate what we’re planning,” Lovitt said.
Lovitt will be attending school on the day of the Homecoming assembly because of her role in the assembly, and because she feels safe.
“I believe that everything will work out and we’ll be safe,” Lovitt said. “How could a place you love so much become violent?”
Angel • Sep 28, 2016 at 8:28 pm
“How could a place we love become so violent?” Ask people who went to Columbine High in 1999. Be safe everyone 🙁 this is very troubling.
Becky • Sep 28, 2016 at 11:53 am
Everyone thinks it cant happen to them. Better to be safe and smart than put yourselves in a situation that could have been avoided. Take the warning seriously and keep safe.
Kerri Tschritter • Sep 28, 2016 at 11:24 am
I have full confidence that The Wenatchee Police Department and The Wenatchee School District are taking the necessary measures to locate the author of this threat and remove it as quickly as possible. To the student who is doing this: You have made a terrible mistake. I know high school can be hard on kids. You can feel like you don’t fit in. There are so many kids and they all have their groups of friends already. Maybe they are treating you unfairly or not involving you in the high school experience. You might feel hurt, or left out or angry. Trust me, there are many kids who feel the same way. I felt that way when I attended the high school years ago. I didn’t fit in the social groups. I had a hard family life. My family didn’t have money. I thought I hated certain people because they had it easy and didn’t know anything about struggling. I pretty much failed the 9th grade and dropped out. You are not alone. I am not angry at you for feeling the way you do. Like I said, high school can be hard on kids, especially those with difficult family lives. I don’t know if this describes you. I ended up spending my 10th grade year in a group home, getting therapy and going to school. When I got out, I went to WestSide and graduated a year early. You have many options but if you follow through on these threats, you will limit your options and lose the trust of those you want it from the most. One single decision can change your life forever, for the good or the bad. I would be happy to talk with you and help you figure out a plan to get you back to the happy person you want to be. You’re in control of your choices but you have to know that there are consequences for every choice we make (good or bad). I would feel really sad for you if this turned out badly and ruined your life. I’m not a professional therapist. I’m just a single mom, with a kid who goes to WHS and I care about your pain. I have pain too. I understand it. Reach out sister. Find me on Facebook or however you can. You need care and understanding. You are not the enemy. If you don’t want to talk to me…that’s cool… but please find someone you do trust. Talk to them and let’s figure out a way to get what you need. I love you sister. Peace be with you.
Nadine Blanchard • Sep 28, 2016 at 9:43 am
While I believe we shouldn’t allow fear to dictate our lives, I have just one question. Why do the police assume that this “threat” was written by a girl? Just because it was found in the girls bathroom means nothing. We now have transgender bathrooms, so it could’ve also been written by a boy. Most likely, this is just a threat, or a cry for help, but it is foolish to just assume the threat came drone a girl and isn’t a serious concern. I hope whoever it was who wrote this, gets the help they need and no harm befalls anyone.
Marco S C • Sep 28, 2016 at 9:38 am
It is a very fustraiting situation, I have kids at Eastmont but I have heard from kids that situations like “drougs” have gone out of order. If I was to suggest something to you guys. I would have several officers search school for guns, drougs, and search kids that would make kids think about what they do twice. It would make it safer I can’t imagine having one of my teenager at WHS… Thought if someone crazy enough to do something like that, then that means it could happen at any other school. My prayers that nothing happens and I know you guys would to a good job, we have enough police enforcement to at least search what goes in that day. God Bless
Cassi • Sep 27, 2016 at 8:22 pm
So instead of changing my the dates and possibly saving life’s …. you would rather keep an assembly on that day for your own selfish reasons ? ! Children shouldn’t be allowed to make decisions that have other people’s life’s at jeopardy! Don’t care if it’s a hoax or not cancel the assembly then there plan is out !
javier • Sep 27, 2016 at 6:53 pm
Think for a second lol cameras? Hello see who wrote the messages then either keep an eye on them or have the authorities investigate them
Tammy Aviles • Sep 27, 2016 at 5:18 pm
Maybe this is just somebody’s way of trying to stop or alter the plans of Homecoming. It’s to much of a coincidence that it’s set for that date that they or she wants to wreak havoc.