Last April, a tragic event occurred at a local high school in Littleton, Colorado. Two teenagers had evidently killed fifteen people, including a teacher, by setting up bombs and drenching the entire school with malignant bullets. These two students were supposedly outcasts, isolating themselves from the jeering students and cliques at school. They were nicknamed the "Trenchcoat Mafia" and mocked for wearing black trenchcoats.

On the day of the horrifying mass-murder, these perpetrators committed suicide as their chilling, final act. This totally overwhelmed millions and millions of people. Parents and classmates of the victims were stunned. How could two high school students commit such a horrendous crime? This was a real shock to society.

This shooting was unfortunately repeated here in Canada. In Alberta, approximately two weeks after the Columbine High School tragedy, a high school boy wearing a blue trenchcoat showered a local high school with bullets. There were two victims and one of them died later on in hospital. This event marked a truly unforgettable moment in Canadian history.

Today's teenagers face many problems. Often they seem to think that violence can solve everything. Because of this, upsetting incidents such as the Alberta and Colorado shootings occur. Committing such deeds can lead to even more trouble. They create more pain to the others who are affected.

It is so scary to find out what is happening in the real world. Young people today commit very serious crimes. It is even scarier to realize that these violent acts are spreading across the nation at a rapid rate. No one knows when or where it is going to happen next. Such things should not be supported at all. They should be prevented. There are many ways to solve conflicts and violence should not be one of them.

Charlene Alducente, Irene Peralta
Notre Dame High School.

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