Matt DeBoer, the Principal of Annunciation Catholic School, addressed the community following a tragic shooting that occurred on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. Outside the school, he told reporters that he was devastated by what happened. He called on all of us to act right now to help these young victims and their families. The violence took the lives of two beautiful souls, who referred to themselves as angels. In response, DeBoer urged the community to come together and stop such acts from occurring again.
Like DeBoer, I would argue that we need to see community engagement that goes beyond sending thoughts and prayers. He implored community members to actively participate in supporting those affected, stating, “We, as a community, have a responsibility to make sure that no child, no parent, no teacher ever has to experience what we’ve experienced today. Ever again.” His call to action resonated deeply as he recalled an African proverb: “When you pray, move your feet.”
DeBoer commended the swift and heroic actions of the school’s educators in averting further disaster. He praised them as “heroes” for their swift action within seconds of the shooting starting. He called his staff the “dream team,” pointing out that courage was essential in their response to an unthinkable scenario. “This is a nightmare,” he acknowledged, “but we will recover from this. We will rebuild from this.”
As he wrote to his students and their families, DeBoer just wanted to express his love and support. “To any of our students and families and staff watching right now, I love you. You’re so brave, and I’m so sorry this happened to us today,” he said. His touching open letter was intended to comfort the K-12 community reeling from this shocking tragedy.
Through the grievous tragedy, DeBoer, somehow, kept an eye on the future. He stated, “We can’t change the past, but we can do something about the future,” encapsulating his determination to foster a safer environment for students and staff alike. He asked for continued prayers for those still being treated following the shooting. This underscores the need for ongoing collective care as our community begins to heal.
It will be a long road ahead for the Annunciation Catholic School community. DeBoer’s leadership gives us faith that we will come back stronger and more resilient. The principal’s commitment to take action inspires teachers, students and the community to rebel for real change. It brings all of us touched by this horrible act of violence together to unite.
