FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Statement from Tom Shefchunas, Head of School, Horizon Christian Academy
Cumming, Georgia — Horizon Christian Academy continues to grieve after an incredibly difficult week marked by the tragic loss of our students. The school community is mourning the deaths of Jackson, Charlotte, and Jaylyn, while continuing to pray for Jamison, who remains hospitalized in Florida.
Our prayers and thoughts are with these families every day. We have been both blessed and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our community. We ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we take this one step at a time.
As the school begins the process of returning to campus, I want to emphasize that the path forward will be marked by care, compassion, and intentional support for students and staff. We recognize that returning to school will not feel normal. We move forward together, grieving, supporting one another, and trusting the Lord to guide us step by step.
There will be no school for students on Monday, allowing faculty and staff time to gather, mourn, pray, and prepare for students’ return on Tuesday.
We have expanded our support resources. Counselors and pastors will be available throughout the week to support students, and additional licensed Christian counselors and trusted local pastors will be on campus to provide care as needed.
Our highest priority is caring well for our students and families. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where students can process this loss in their own way.
We have shared links to GoFundMe pages on our website for those wishing to support the affected families and we will update this page as more opportunities to help arise.
At this time, no arrangements for services have been announced. The school will share details with the HCA family as they become available and will make appropriate adjustments to allow students the opportunity to participate.
Regarding media presence, we currently have no plans for on-camera comments from administration or staff. Media are asked to respect the privacy of the school community during this time. On Monday, April 13, media should utilize only the upper/front parking lot. For the safety and security of students and staff, the campus will be closed to all non-HCA individuals from Tuesday through Friday during the school day. Thank you to the Cumming Police Department for help with this.
Horizon Christian Academy has always been a place where people are known, loved, and cared for. That commitment will carry us forward now more than ever.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact: publicrelations@hcaga.org