Hancock County School District prepares to help students during difficult time

A Pass Christian man is accused of opening fire at a house party in Bay St. Louis. Nineteen-year-old Cameron Everest Brand is charged with two counts of homicide and four counts of aggravated assault.

Four teens were injured and two others died when a gunman opened fire at a post-prom party in Bay St. Louis early Sunday morning. The party was open to Bay High and Hancock High students, the homeowners told WXXV.

Hancock County Superintendent of Education Rhett Ladner said he is saddened after learning what happened and he is doing everything he can to help his district. “We put a plan in place. Our counselors met yesterday at the high school to start planning for today. This morning, we had clergy there. We had roughly about 20 counselors in place before students got there for our staff to make sure they were okay. When students started coming in, our pastors were still there, but we also had roughly 20 counselors on campus. Also, we have a social and emotional team that we have and we also brought Pine Belt Mental Health Services to come in as well.”

Ladner spoke with the families that were involved in the shooting to check on them and pray with them. He also was able to talk to two students who were injured and was glad to hear they are doing well and on the road to recovery. “Hancock is a really special place that we love each other. So, we support each other and that’s the thing we have to put back in our children because when people love each other great things happen. So, we gotta build that back in our kids.”

Mayor Mike Favre also commented on the tragic event. “The City of Bay St Louis is completely heartbroken by the devastating events that occurred last night. We ask for continued support and prayers for our youth, our community, and all of the affected families and friends of the victims during this difficult time.”

Bay-Waveland Superintendent Sandra Reed declined to comment during this time.