NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Taking back the community is on the minds of Newport News residents after two teenagers recently lost their lives on the way to school. Newport News parents concerned about safety after teens killed On Thursday, community members and leaders came together in a meeting to brainstorm ideas to keep students safe at the bus stops and beyond. Chaperones, bus stop escorts and more afterschool activities are all possible ideas that arose as residents seek ways to keep youths safe. "As a kid I lost my best friend to gun violence the same way that they were killed," said organizer Becharra Johnson. That's why she said she was inspired to take action after two teenagers lost their lives to gun violence. Both shootings happened in Newport News, but this meeting took place in Hampton. "Our kids interact with each other," Johnson said. "We have football games [and] basketball games with each other so it's a common ground." Kids and parents are still grieving the loss of the 15-year-old shot while waiting for a bus to Menchville High School. Menchville High 15-year-old killed waiting for school bus Seven days later, a 17-year-old was shot and killed on Gloucester Drive. Many are now calling for neighbors to be bus stop escorts. NNPD: 17-year-old fatally shot on Gloucester Drive "We need to be more hands on with the kids like when we grew up, I know it's not going to be perfect so we can at least try," Johnson said. Concerned parents and neighbors, along with leaders, want to create a plan moving forward. "If you see a child walking by [themselves], peep out your door, look out your window," Johnson said. "When your child exits, stand on the porch." Students want a helping hand. "If there was a fight to break out, they'd be there to stop it," said student Keython Buggs. "Or, if anybody came out walking behind me they could tell me," said another student, Janya Clark. While bus stop safety is a top concern, Johnson's long-term goal is more afterschool activities for students of all ages. "It's not for me," Johnson said. "It's for the kids, so I would give up everything to make sure that they could grow up to be what they're supposed to be." If you’d like to get involved with Becharra’s efforts, she can be reached at 757-979-7706. If you have any information about these cases, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip.