Stronger Than the Storm Community Breakfast
Posted on 03/14/2025
Local first responders and residents gathered at ILHS to mark the one-year anniversary of the tornado and confirm that our community is, in fact, stronger than the storm.
More than 160 area police officers, firefighters, highway patrol officers, EMTs and more attended the "Stronger Than the Storm Breakfast" at Indian Lake High School on March 14, 2025--exactly a year after an F3 tornado destroyed homes and businesses in Lakeview, Midway, Russells Point and Huntsville and damaged the high school and elementary buildings.
Several ILHS students thanked the first responders and recalled personal stories of surviving the storm.
Senior Jacob Freyhof summed it all up.
"There's nothing easy about remembering the tornado...It was the hardest part of my life so far."
Indian Lake Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood recalled the immediate efforts to help others in the hours after the storm hit.
"We thought Indian Lake High School would become a temporary shelter, but it wasn't long until we became the hub for donations from anywhere and everywhere. The day after the storm we had donations in the main gym stacked practically up to the ceiling."
Washington Township Police Chief Michael Thompson and Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof thanked members of their department, along with local fire and rescue teams for their dedication to serving the community in the days and weeks after the tornado.
Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds commended his staff and handed out special awards of recognition to his dispatchers and technology staff members for their invaluable response during the storm.
ILHS student Caylie Short tearfully thanked local first responders for getting her to safety after the tornado threw her from her home and dropped her onto the road with two broken ankles.
"I remember most vividly, not just the fear of the storm, but the overwhelming support from our community." She continued, "From the moment I was injured, there were people by my side offering assistance, comfort, and encouragement. It was this spirit of togetherness that helped me heal physically and emotionally."
The Indian Lake Food Service Staff served up a hearty breakfast for the crowd, while the ILHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble performed during the meal.
After the program, everyone was invited to check out the new ILHS Main Gym Floor and entrance to the high school. Both had to be repaired and replaced after extensive hail damage and leaks were discovered in the weeks after the storm.
In March, Indian Lake will observe the one-year anniversary of the tornado that devastated our area. Indian Lake Schools would like to invite community members and, especially, local first responders to a breakfast at Indian Lake High School on the morning of March 14 at 9 am. The event will serve to show our gratitude for those who have helped our community recover. In addition, we will highlight some of the stories of affected students and staff and changes to our facilities that came about because of storm damage. Please RSVP to Mrs. Cummins in the Indian Lake Administrative Office at 937-686-8601 or [email protected] by March 10.
