Nathan and his fellow classmates at Sego Middle School are concerned about their safety after the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

''I'm worried that this might happen in Augusta,'' he said.

Richmond County school officials led members of the media through several schools Thursday morning, allowing reporters to gather the classroom reactions to the terrorist attacks.

In connection with the tour, officials collected donations from the schools for the mayor's Care and Prayer Crusade to assist victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

On Thursday, $688 was collected at Rollins Elementary, $375 was donated by Sego Middle, and $500 was collected at T.W. Josey High School. Other Richmond County schools will donate more later.

School board members were on hand to speak to the pupils about the recent events. District 8 representative Jeff Padgett attempted to allay fears concerning safety.

Mr. Padgett, a Vietnam veteran, also told pupils ''it's all right to be afraid.''

Eric Eitson said he's afraid of retaliation.

''I don't feel safe because if we strike back, they could come back and hit us,'' he said.

Sego Middle was one of three Richmond County schools the groups toured. Pupils, who range in age from 10 to 18, showed a wide range of emotions, from fear to anger to sadness.

''I thought a movie was on or something,'' said T.W. Josey High senior Michael Walton. ''I was so shocked.''

Mr. Walton, 18, was at home Sept. 11 and watched the events unfold on television like many other Americans.

Before last week's tragedy, students at T.W. Josey High admitted they didn't feel a sense of patriotism and weren't aware of current events. Now, the school and its students are decked out in red, white and blue and keeping up with the latest developments.

''I think it's a tragedy, but I think everyone wants to come together,'' said Roosevelt Robinson, a senior.

Reach Ashlee Griggs at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 109 or ccchron@augustachronicle.com