Forest High School students to honor teachers, staff following shooting

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Students at a Marion County school honored teachers, staff and first responders Wednesday for their actions following a shooting at Forest High School.

"We want them to know we are so thankful for how they reacted so quickly," a student said.

Sky Bouche, 19, walked into the school Friday and shot through a classroom door, striking a 17-year-old in the ankle, investigators said. The teen will survive.

"(I) didn't have time to think. That's when the training kicked in and that's what we did. The training kicked in. That's all I have to say," Long said.

Long was given a medal for his bravery.

"It was very much a team effort. My staff at Forest High School did amazing. Without them, I mean, they were right there by my side, without a weapon. They are my heroes," Long said.

Watch: Deputy Long receives medal, discusses arrest of accused gunman:

Kelly Panasuck, a teacher at the school, said she helped calm Bouche.

“I used words, better yet, my ears to let the young man speak because that’s what he needed,” Panasuk said.

She said she was able to get Bouche to go inside her classroom without a gun.

“My kids were so brave. Bringing him in the room, I know would be a traumatic thing, but it was the decision that had to be made,” she said.

Student leaders presented proclamations to those helping them recover and move forward from the ordeal.

Since the shooting, many people in the school district and with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, said the shooting could have been much worse if it had not been for the actions of a school resource officer and two teachers.

Several others ran toward the gunfire, deputies said.

Gov. Scott visited Marion County Wednesday to give his thanks to the heroes.

A handful of students went to Ocala's downtown square for a "Never again" rally to protest against guns and gun violence.

"We're doing this because we want a better future. We're doing this because we want to save lives," said Caitlan Dickey, a senior at Forest High School.

Bouche faces charges, including terrorism, aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm on school property.

Cox Media Group