A tragic incident took place at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old boy sent a message to his mom before he was killed in a mass shooting. His heartbroken sister has also spoken about the terrible event.
The boy, Mason Schermerhorn, was one of four victims who lost their lives in the shooting. He had texted his mom while hiding in a school restroom, but sadly, he didn’t make it out. Ronald Clark, a youth minister and chaplain, shared this information. He also mentioned how he tried to help search for Mason during the chaos of the shooting.
This story has left many grieving and searching for answers.
On the morning of September 4, when the shooting happened, Ronald Clark had stopped at a store on his way home. He received a call from his wife, who told him about the shooting at Apalachee High School. Clark immediately went to the school and offered his help to the police officers who were working at the command post.
Clark was assigned to assist the teams working on the investigation. After about an hour, he began encountering injured students who were in shock.
He described the situation as “challenging” and mentioned that although he wanted to help everyone, he understood that there was only so much he could do in such a large-scale tragedy.
Clark also highlighted the bravery of the victims who survived. He was impressed by their courage as they shared their experiences with him, which was part of their effort to cope with the trauma they had endured.
During the chaos, Clark tried to assist Mason Schermerhorn’s mom, whom he knew through work, in finding her son. She told Clark that she believed Mason, who was autistic, was safe because he had texted her from the restroom.
Clark remembered the mother saying, “Hey, I can’t find him. I’m just here to pick him up. I know he’s safe. He texted me that he’s in the restroom. Can you please help?”
The youth minister also highlighted what a great kid he was told Schermerhorn was, adding, “He […] loved life, didn’t have any issues with anyone. He was autistic, but that didn’t stop his glow.”
The youth minister also emphasized what a wonderful kid Mason Schermerhorn was. He said, “He […] loved life, didn’t have any issues with anyone. He was autistic, but that didn’t stop his glow.”
On September 5, WSB-TV released messages sent between a 14-year-old boy and his mom on Instagram. Although they didn’t reveal the boy’s identity, the messages provide a glimpse into how frightening and intense the situation was for those involved.
The boy reportedly texted his mom, “School shooting rn. I’m scared, pls, I’m not joking.” When she told him she was leaving work, he heartbreakingly replied with, “I love you.” In response to her question about where he was, he chillingly wrote, “Class. Someone’s dead.”
The 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, is expected to be charged with murder as an adult.
Following Mason Schermerhorn’s death, his sister, Alanna Wallace, has spoken about the tragedy in an interview with Fox 5 News’ Brittany Edney.
Wallace shared that her brother was a wonderful person who had a profound impact on many people, echoing the sentiments expressed by Clark.
Wallace, along with her family, shared touching videos of Mason Schermerhorn with Edney. She also talked about the hobbies Mason had recently picked up. He had started learning to play the trumpet because he wanted to follow in his big sister’s footsteps, as she had learned to play the instrument first.
Mason Schermerhorn also loved playing video games on his PS5, exploring virtual fantasy worlds with his VR headset, and visiting amusement parks. Wallace described her late little brother as a positive, energetic person and expressed how she can’t imagine life without him.
When asked what she wants the world to know about Mason Schermerhorn, Wallace said, “That he loved everyone […] No matter what they had, what disabilities, he loved everyone for them.”
Regarding how Wallace is coping with the tragedy, Edney shared that Wallace has been trying to channel her brother’s positive energy. Despite being her little brother, Mason had a protective, big brother vibe and always looked out for her.
Edney also noted that when she spoke to Wallace, the sister was surrounded by about eight friends who were there to support her. They gathered in a circle with some donuts, reminiscing about Mason Schermerhorn’s life and reassuring Wallace that they were there for her. Wallace mentioned that this sense of community is what is helping her get through this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences go out to Schermerhorn’s family and all the families affected by this horrific tragedy. We pray for healing and comfort during this difficult time of grief. Rest in peace, Mason Schermerhorn, and all the other victims who lost their lives.
Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is the perfect choice if you’re in the mood for a tasty and flavorful burger. This traditional recipe makes a delicious patty that will satisfy any burger enthusiast by combining juicy ground beef with thinly sliced onions.
Ingredients needed to make the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger are as follows:
One large onion, peeled and cut in half, then thinly sliced
Add pepper and salt.
One pound of ground beef
One spoonful of butter
A single spoonful of vegetable oil
four to eight pieces of American cheese
Pickles, mustard, and mayo to serve
4 toasted hamburger buns
Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering burger:
To begin, place the thinly sliced onions in a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well. In a colander, let the onions sit for thirty minutes, stirring from time to time. Next, move the onions to a sanitized dish towel and extract as much liquid as you can.
Arrange the drained onions onto four distinct stacks on a baking sheet with a rim. Four evenly sized balls of ground beef should be placed on the onion mounds. Firmly press down so that the onions stick to the beef to create 4 inch-diameter patties. Give the steak a liberal amount of salt and pepper.
Melt the butter and vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Turn the patties over carefully so that the onion side is facing down in the skillet. Simmer the onions for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and beginning to crisp up around the edges. After turning the burgers over, turn the heat up to high and continue cooking for about two minutes, or until the second side is nicely browned.
Top each burger with one or two slices of American cheese, then let it melt. In the meantime, sprinkle the top buns with mustard, pickles, and mayo. Put a burger on the bottom bun and cover it with the top bun once the cheese has melted.
The ideal blend of tender beef, crunchy onions, and smooth, melted cheese may be experienced when the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are served right away. The ideal way to enjoy these burgers is with a cold drink and your favorite sides. Try this recipe to make a unique and delicious handmade burger that will wow your family and friends.
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