Perry Hall Shooting Victim Returns for 'Low-Key' School Day

Daniel Borowy, victim of the Perry Hall High School student shooting, returned to classes on Wednesday, assistant principal Stephen Arnold confirmed. 

"It was relatively quiet. We wanted to keep it low-key." Arnold said. "It was not meant to be filled with fanfare. We wanted it to be as comfortable for him as possible. He went through his day event-free." 

Within Borowy's special needs program, he works primarily with the same group of students all day, Arnold added. 

School administrators, students and community officials are working on planning a "welcome back" celebration for Borowy in the near future, and Borowy plans to participate in an upcoming blood drive and concert, he said. 

Borowy, 17, was shot in the lower back on Aug. 27 while eating lunch in the school cafeteria. Police identified the shooter as Robert W. Gladden Jr., a troubled 15-year-old who brought a double-barrel shotgun and bottle of vodka in his backpack on the first of day of school, according to investigators. Police do not believe Gladden targeted Borowy when he opened fire. Gladden was charged as an adult and has not yet been released on bail. 

Several fundraisers and benefits have honored Borowy since the shooting. Last month, he was chosen to throw the ceremonial opening pitch during the first Orioles-Yankees playoff game. There, he was joined by guidance counselor Jesse Wasmer, who is credited with stopping the student shooter during the attack.

Rosemary Borowy told Patch during a fundraiser in October that community support has played a major role in his recovery, which included three surgeries and several weeks of bed rest. 

"I think Daniel just thinks the whole world knows him and is there for him. That's great for him. He knows he has a lot of people looking out for him," she said.

She said she has struggled to put her gratitude toward community members into words.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, from the moment that this happened, for thinking about Daniel and praying for Daniel and helping him ... The prayers meant more than anything. I believe that's what pulled Daniel through," she said.

Tell us how the events on the first day of school impacted you and your family in the comments.