Commentary by Frank Schroth

This isn’t supposed to happen.

Children are not supposed to fall out of the sky onto our streets. They are not supposed to pick up knives and butcher their siblings.And they should not be assaulted by their teachers. But these things do happen. It’s life, sadly.

Whether Dale Snyder, a chemistry teacher a coach of the girls track team, is guilty of assault will be determined by the courts. But regardless of how that turns out, it will not erase the current anxiety and doubt that ran through so many Milton families upon hearing the news.

I suspect if you, like us, had a daughter on the track team at any time in the last 15 years or so, the first thing you did was pick up the phone and call her. There would be concern and, hopefully, relief at the end.

One cannot have 100% protection; but we have the MPD, the MFD and we have each other. Be aware and don’t be afraid. If you have a doubt let the police check it out.

Tonight there will be a wonderful celebration at Hutchinson Field. Pauliine Wells will sing, a full orchestra of MHS alumni will perform, and fireworks will light up the sky. It will be a great occasion and opportunity to remind ourselves of our shared love of this community. That’s life too.

And speaking of the police .  .  . they will be fielding a team BayState Brave that is participating in a 26 hour workout at Gillette Stadium to benefit the One Fund. They could use your support. You can learn more here.