Thank you Charm for posting this story. I just knew someone would pick up the story. News like this to a rural area such as ours is like getting slammed in the chest with a sledge hammer. Even those of us who don't know the family personally usually know someone who is involved.
This clip is from today's Courier-Express:
Brockway Area School District Superintendent Steve Zarlinski said the school has been handling the situation by making guidance and grief counselors as well as the crisis intervention team available.
Chief of Police Doug Johnson said students were allowed to leave school early Thursday if they wished.
"We have been contacted by other school districts, offering their support and counseling services, but right now we're handling it the best we can," Zarlinski said.
Of the nine youths who died in the fire, Grace Peterson was in kindergarten at Brockway; Isaac Peterson, second grade at Brockway; Douglas Peterson III, seventh grade at Brockway; Rebecca Peterson, 11th grade at Jeff Tech; and Jason Mowry, 12th grade at Brockway.
Mayor William Hrinya called the Petersons a nice and hardworking family. During his years as a teacher, he taught some of the children and remembered them as being studious.
"It's a tragic day for our small community. The thing that hurts us most is that we're one big family," Hrinya said. "When we lose a family, it saddens our hearts. We just ask you to say a prayer for Brockway tonight."
http://tinyurl.com/46wn3s
Thanks to everyone who have given up prayers for the families involved.
A memorial fund has been set up - donations may be sent to:
Peterson Memorial Fund
Priority First Federal Credit Union
500 Main Street
Brockway, PA 15824