A threat of violence directed at Timberline High School and a partial lock down at River Ridge High School were brought to the attention of Lacey City Council on Thursday.
And the two high school students who delivered the message also happen to serve on the city's youth council. Both spoke during public comment.
Youth council Mayor Justin Begley, a senior at Timberline, spoke first about the threat earlier this week.
"This threat was a threat aimed at our youth and therefore a threat made against our future," he told the council. "Schools should be a safe place for all and teachers and students, and they should not have to fear any sort of violence while at school."
Begley was followed by Keegan Boldt, a youth council member. Boldt is a senior at River Ridge.
"Today, we were reminded of an unfortunate trend," said Boldt, referring to a partial lock down at the school on Thursday.
He told the council the school has endured "constant threats of violence," or "activities that have interrupted our education." He feels the overarching problem is poor communication from the school administration and poor communication between staff and the administration.
Boldt likely was referring to race-related student protests that rocked the campus last spring and the subsequent threats made against the school.
"It's difficult to get information about what's going on and why," he said. "It definitely hurts our trust and how well represented we feel." He added that he is sad and concerned about his school.
Lacey police Sgt. Shannon Barnes confirmed and elaborated on both incidents Thursday evening.
River Ridge was "locked out" because Lacey police assisted Thurston County Sheriff's Office deputies on a K-9 track for a domestic violence suspect, she said. A lock out, according to Barnes, means school can continue but exterior doors are locked.
The threat against Timberline was made Sunday night after a person, playing an online video game, became upset after that person lost the game. The loss prompted disparaging comments and finally a threat against Timberline, Barnes said.
After the threat Sunday night, all Lacey school resource officers responded to the Timberline campus Monday morning.
Police are still trying to identify the person who made the threat, Barnes said.
"I'd like to thank the Lacey police and Timberline administration for the swift action against this threat," Youth council Mayor Begley said.
Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder responded to both students after they spoke.
"I know the issues you have been having at River Ridge has been very unsettling," he said. "If there's anything we can do to continue to help support you, we will," he said.
