Tuesday was a somber day for the Seneca East School District.
Three students were reportedly killed in a large house fire in the early morning.
Sixth-grader Olivia Bondy, second-grader Jaxson Hamilton and kindergartener Linkin Hamilton were very special kids, said Brad Powers, Seneca East Elementary principal.
"They all three always had smiles on their faces, were polite, respectful and appreciative," he said.
The school received reports of the fire in the morning. Updates were given throughout the day from Dean Henry, public information officer for Seneca County.
"We prayed and prayed more, but we knew that something terrible had happened," Powers said.
The information was limited with what could be released at the time, Powers said.
Guidance counselor Heather Schalk was available throughout the day for students and staff.
A letter was sent home with students to inform parents of the tragedy.
Additional counseling services were to be available today in the Seneca East library. Six counselors and members of the clergy were to be available to assist students, staff and parents.
"We will continue to pray and continue to be here for our kids," Powers said.
"This is a great community with great parents, students and staff. We will give our kids compassion, caring and help in dealing with this tragedy from tomorrow and beyond," he said. "The three children were great kids and will be sorely missed."
