Students and staff at Apalachee High School will participate in “A Day of Prevailing Love” Thursday on the one-year anniversary of the deadliest school shooting in Georgia’s history.
Students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, and teachers Ana Cristina Irimie and Ricky Aspinwall were shot and killed at the Barrow County school on Sept. 4, 2024. Nine others were injured.
Students who go to school on Thursday are able to participate in activities meant to honor those who died and facilitate healing. Those who want to stay home will be excused.
“It will be a school day — but not a typical school day. We plan to make it a day of giving back, receiving support, and growing closer with one another," Principal Jessica Rehberg wrote in a message to families.
In the morning, students are invited to participate in a community service project. Guest speaker Chris Singleton, the sportscaster and retired professional baseball player, is scheduled to speak. Students and staff will be able to participate in activities focused on wellness and mental health support sessions.
The other schools in Barrow County plan to have a moment of reflection, to wear Apalachee’s colors of blue and gold and to write notes of appreciation to first responders, counselors, teachers and community organizations.
Meanwhile, Layla Renee Contreras, lead organizer of Change for Chee — an advocacy group created after the shooting to focus on school system and statewide safety policies — said she and others plan to go to the state Capitol on Thursday in hopes of talking to lawmakers about passing legislation that punishes gun owners if their firearm is used to harm themselves or others. They also want legislation that would better communication between schools and institutions when a child has made a threat.
Apalachee anniversary vigils
7 p.m., Thursday — Vigil at Apalachee High School flagpole, 940 Haymon Morris Road in Winder. Open to the community.
7 p.m., Friday — Candlelight vigil and Change for Chee food collection at Home Depot, 649 Carl-Bethlehem Road in Winder. Open to the community.
9 a.m., Saturday — 7-mile tribute hike at Fort Yargo State Park at 210 S. Broad St. in Winder. Open to the community.
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