THOMASVILLE- Shortly after lunch on Thursday, a student informed the principal that she had seen a handgun in another student’s bag at MacIntyre Park Middle School. The principal and school resource officer immediately located the student and her belongings. The handgun was found in the student’s bag.

“We are very thankful that the student reported what she had seen as it allowed the administration to quickly secure the firearm,“ said Dr. George Kornegay, Thomasville City School Interim Superintendent. “I commend the student who acted to help keep her school safe and the school principal and resource officer who reacted quickly and professionally to mitigate the danger. I am thankful that our students have a relationship with the school administration where they feel comfortable reporting anything suspicious.”

Students were kept in their classrooms briefly while this matter was being resolved. Once the student who had the weapon had been removed from campus, the school returned to its normal schedule.

Britney Glass, Thomasville City School Board Member, shared, “On behalf of the board we’re thankful for the swift action of our administrators, SRO, and community first responders. Student safety is our top priority.”

The incident came one day after a student at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., opened fire with a rifle, killing two students and two teachers and injuring nine other people.