Following the Perry High School shooting on January 4th, the Perry City Administrator illustrates that the community is bigger than this tragedy. 

The community of Perry was put in the national spotlight when a shooting happened at the high school, where several people were injured, one person was killed and one person died days later. The term “Perry Strong” derived from it, implying the fortitude the community has shown. Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson is a Perry High School graduate and knows that this tragedy won’t overshadow what this city is.

“This event is not going to be Perry’s identity. Perry’s identity is that sense of community, that sense of coming together as a community to get through this tragedy.”

Peterson zeros in on this being a time to support the students and staff, but also stresses patience with the decisions being made from the school board. He also appreciates the tremendous response from the local police and fire departments, as well as first responders and ambulance crews.