Witnesses to Perry school shooting to receive money raised for victims

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

Money raised for victims of the Perry High School shooting will be donated to middle and high school students and staff who witnessed the shooting or saw videos of the crime.

Donors have raised nearly $145,000 following the Jan. 4 shooting that killed 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, a student at the adjacent middle school, mortally wounded Perry High School principal Dan Marburger, and injured two other staff members and four students. Dylan Butler, a 17-year-old Perry High School student and the accused shooter, committed suicide.

Funds were quickly set up afterward at Raccoon Valley Bank in Perry – one for Jolliff's family and the other for the community, family and students – the latter to be directed to the school district community of Perry for distribution. But under state law, the district had to open a new account and have a third party act as administrator of the fund to determine who was entitled to the money and distribute the funds. In May, the school board appointed Lou Hoger, Joseph Shelly and Donna Emmert as trustees of the fund.

“Under Iowa code, a trustee will be appointed to release these funds to the rightful owners and it is my responsibility to determine who the rightful owners are. Which is extremely vague,” Hoger said.

More: Perry High School Graduation Honors Class of 2024 While Remembering Principal Dan Marburger

They ruled that to receive money from the fund, a person must have observed the filming or videos of the filming and suffered physical or emotional harm.

“It’s very difficult to measure, I understand that,” Hoger said.

These individuals, which Hoger said could include students or staff, are encouraged to complete an application, which is due July 15. Fund administrators will then conduct interviews to determine eligibility.

“It will be a very subjective process and some people will be able to communicate more effectively,” Hoger said. “This is where I will use some of my training and listening processes to see beyond the words.”

While attending seminary, he worked with a trauma team at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis, then served on the hospital staff for a year and a half. He later became a prison chaplain and worked on victim recovery programs.

“One thing that is very important to understand is that pain and fear produce anger. I did a lot of research on anger when I was a prison chaplain,” he said. “We have a lot of people who are very angry, I understand, because of their pain and maybe their fear for the future. When I see or hear anger, my ability to look beyond the pain and fear is very important.

More: JCPenney donates $50,000 to Perry High to make its first prom after memorable shooting

Some have expressed concerns about the application and interview process. Hoger said the application criteria is flexible, as are the interviews.

“In one case, I told a parent that it would not be necessary for (their) child to participate in this interview process,” he added. “I would certainly understand if parents don’t want that to happen. »

Hoger said they won't be able to determine stipend amounts until the July 15 application deadline and interviews conclude. Those wishing to complete an application can send an application to One Perry Recovery Fund, PO Box 54, Perry, IA 50220.

“I hope this process unifies rather than divides the community,” Hoger said. “To let people know in the community that many people are going to benefit from their contributions and donations to this (fund).”

Hoger said about $20,000 was raised for the Jolliff family and authorization for that payment was granted.

Raccoon Valley Bank has since closed the funds.

Lina Portman

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