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Student Thanks Community For Support

By Jenny Li

Story Published: May 21, 2008 at 5:34 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 21, 2008 at 7:35 PM CDT

The Woodruff High School senior class will attend their graduation ceremony tonight, but senior Victor Simmons may not be able to enjoy the pomp and circumstance.

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Simmons is facing charges for a handgun and ammunition found in his school locker last month.

Today Victor Simmons is enjoying his first full day out of jail... running errands with his mother.

After spending more than a month in prison, the teenager welcomes the opportunity.

People throughout the community helped raise bail money for Simmons, and for that he says he is grateful.

He said, "I just want to say thank you, I'm so proud, when I get a chance I'm going to thank them all personally."

His mother, Audurone, said, "He's going to be by my side 24/7. I don't want any negativity until he gets to court and he'll be able to make his statements."

His mother hopes something positive can come out of this and young people can learn from Victor's example.

As of this afternoon, Simmons and his mother weren't sure if he could participate in tonight's graduation ceremony.

View Oldest Comments First

Thursday, May 22 at 11:54 PM reply to you child?? wrote ...

No the comments would not be different if this were anyone elses child, because parents need to teach their children if they do something wrong they have to pay for it, its not like he was in grade school and stole a candy bar from a store he brought a gun to school, and we should excuse it, and i think it was wrong of the community to bail him out, i know he was in there for a month but he should have spent more time in jail he hasnt learned his lesson he is still a thug!!!!!

Thursday, May 22 at 11:03 PM Me wrote ...

If my child brought a gun and ammo to school, he would be thankful for sitting safe in prison...and not dealing with Mama. NO WAY, would I want a hand slap for something so serious.

Thursday, May 22 at 4:28 PM your child?? wrote ...

I honestly wonder if the comments would be different if this was any of your children...would you want your child to spend 5 years in prison to learn his/her lesson?? for a mistake that he/she already regrets....

Thursday, May 22 at 1:45 PM Mother of a child that Pekin schools won't protect wrote ...

I think they are doing the correct thing by letting this child get his diploma. If they didn't give it to him then all of you people complaining about them giving it to him would be complaining that they didn't give it to him and that would in turn put him on some sort of public aid and you would have to support him. But then again you all probably think that you are perfect and nothing will ever happen to your children at school. I applaude this child for straighting out his life.

Thursday, May 22 at 12:35 AM Christopher wrote ...

I'm, so, disgusted with young people violating laws and rules and not being held accountable for Their actions! America's shielding It's youths from accepting personal responsibility We older generations were taught to live by. Many inner-city parents, especially, are guilty of excusing Their children's crimes because of race or socio-economic background. I'm all for mercy too, but students bringing guns into schools is inexcusable. " Don't do the crime if You can't do the time! "

Wednesday, May 21 at 10:10 PM C Miller wrote ...

I don't understand this situation at all. This kid brought not only a gun but ammo to school. The community bails him out like he's a hero because he "was being picked on"? He committed a felony. He put everyone's lives in danger. He should'nt even be getting his diploma. I don't care if he's a straight A student or not, he broke the law!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, May 21 at 6:38 PM Me wrote ...

Yeah, they're going to learn "good" kids can bring weapons to school and get community sympathy/support. Hopefully, it doesn't happen again...but it will be very interesting to see the response to future 'mistakes'.

Wednesday, May 21 at 6:27 PM concerned teacher wrote ...

I'm sorry. He knew he was "breaking the rules" when he walked into the building with a gun. What message is the school board sending to law abiding people if they let this student get away with bringing a gun to school? I don't feel safe some days at my school but I don't bring a gun. There are other ways to address bullying other than "carry protection". Just remember, if he had in fact killed someone, this conversation would not be taking place. He would be looking @ murder 1. Lesson learned!

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