Indiana school shooting victims helm city’s July 4th parade

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. – A 13-year-old girl and a teacher who were shot at a suburban Indianapolis school in May smiled and waved to crowds lining streets in their community while serving as the grand marshals for its July Fourth parade.

Ella Whistler, who was shot seven times in the May 25 attack in Noblesville, wore a neck brace and had her right arm in a sling as waved to onlookers from a car during Wednesday’s parade. Seventh-grade science teacher Jason Seaman greeted the crowds from his perch in another car following close behind.

Both drew loud cheers and applause.

A 13-year-old student is accused of opening fire in Seaman’s classroom at Noblesville West Middle School, about 20 miles (32 kilometres) north of Indianapolis. That boy is charged as a juvenile in the attack.

Seaman, a 29-year-old former football player, was shot three times as he tackled the boy to bring the attack to an end.

Sabrina Carlton of Kokomo praised Seaman’s actions as she watched the parade with friends.

“We will never forget what he did. He did something that took incredible strength . something superhuman,” she said.

The boy charged in the attack faces a September fact-finding hearing, which is similar to a trial.