Henryville's elementary and junior and senior high schools were ripped apart by a tornado that packed winds of at least 165 mph.

Schools are often the fabric of a community, and people who live in Henryville are feeling the loss, RTV6's Julie Pursley reported.

"I really want to go back. I really miss everybody," said Tyler Jenkins, a high school student whose mother works at the elementary school.

"We've only been in Henryville, this is our third year here," said Sonia Jenkins, Tyler's mother. "I saw my kids' faces when they saw their school. I can't imagine the children that have been here their whole lives."

The devastation is especially difficult for seniors at the high school.

"Just to know that it's all gone and that I won't be able to finish my senior year at a place that I've gone to school since kindergarten, it's unnerving," said student Erin Hairston.

Since her school is closed for now, Hairston is spending her time volunteering to help other storm victims.

"Just doing whatever we can to make sure that everyone in town who doesn't have a home, that I am still fortunate to have, has what they need," Hairston said.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett visited Henryville on Monday, pledging to do all he can to ensure students return to class soon.

"We are going to be working very closely with this school and with this school community in the days and weeks to come so that whatever they need, the state will be willing to provide," Bennett said.

School officials hope to keep all elementary students in one place and keep the junior and senior high school students together as they are relocated. They are working to find local facilities to accommodate students.