With the Horry County Solicitor's Office investigation into the school shooting that left one student dead at Carolina Forest High School concluded (click here for story), the Carolina Forest High community begins to recover from October's tragedy.

CFHS Principal Velna Allen says the conclusion of the investigation helped provide some closure, but the event is something they don't want to forget.

On October 16, 2009, CFHS School Resource Officer Marcus Rhodes shot and killed 16-year-old student Trevor Varinecz after the teenager attacked Rhodes and stabbed him seven times.

"Not only are we trying to get past it," said Principal Allen, "we don't want to forget it, because we do want to be able to learn from it."

Principal Allen says what they're doing to learn ranges from holding awareness classes for students and faculty to help them recognize signs in students to taking measures to avoid bullying - something Varinecz reportedly experienced. The school is also considering new communication devices and it's continuing regular searches.

"I won't tell you that we're perfect, because that would be lying to you," admitted Principal Allen. "I will tell you that we've spent a lot of time as a school in conjunction with Horry County Police working on security and coming up with ideas that will help our students safe. I think there's an awareness now that wasn't there on (October) 16th that we're all vulnerable and that it could happen to anyone of us."

And if anyone knows how to help the recovery process, it's probably Principal Allen, who was principal when another student was stabbed and killed on campus back in 2006.

She says the key to recovery is to focus on the students.

"Tuesday night, I attended an orchestra concert. It was wonderful, and the kids were very excited about playing. Last night, we had almost 500 people on campus to celebrate our fall sports athletes. Tonight, we celebrate with a band concert. So, I want to put those things and the successes of the students first," said Principal Allen.

But she doesn't want to forget Trevor Varinecz. Allen says she wants to reach out to his family, something she's already done with Officer Rhodes, who she says has taken this as hard as anyone.

"I know because I know him that it has affected him greatly. And I know that he'll get past it because he's a strong person, and he'll learn to live with it," said Principal Allen.

Horry County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Elsberry has cleared Rhodes to return to school, but the school system is working with Horry County Police who will make a final recommendation.

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