Local schools show superhero support for school shooting victim

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The funeral for 6-year-old Jacob Hall was held Wednesday after he was shot and killed at an elementary school playground in Townville, South Carolina.

Finley Road Elementary School in Rock Hill is more than 120 miles away from the school, but students and teachers there wanted to give Jacob’s family some special superhero support.

From the principal to the 4-year-olds, many students and staff members at Finley Road Elementary wore the superhero outfits that Jacob loved.

“I wish that he was still there for them, said third grader Holden Allen.

The students are young enough to share Jacob’s innocence, but old enough to understand why his family needs their help.

“He died of a gunshot at his school,” said third grader Kamarai Phillips.

Jacob was shot when police say a teenager opened fire last week on a playground outside of Townville Elementary School in Anderson County.

Pallbearers at his funeral wore superhero costumes because his mother wanted people to focus on Jacob and his love for superheroes instead of the tragedy.

His mother said Jacob was buried in a Batman costume because that was his favorite superhero.

Finley Road Elementary School took group pictures of their costumes and posted them online using the hashtags “SuperheroesForJacob” and “PrayersForJacob.”

“When we were walking down the hall this morning, one of my students was like ‘Look at all these superhero shirts, I bet he’d really like to see these,’” said third grade teacher Ashley Hall.

Many other South Carolina schools honored the family on Wednesday and posted their pictures too, so that Jacob’s family and teachers could see their support.

IMAGES: Local schools show superhero support for school shooting victim

“I just remember thinking that could be one of us, that could be one of my students, just knowing that it hits so close to home,” Finley Road guidance counselor Sally Berger said.

Berger said since school started, she’s been teaching student to act like superheroes every day.

“They’re talented and unique and special, just like every student at Finley Road,” Berger said.

And just like Jacob.

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