Tributes from across Georgia and the nation are pouring in to honor the victims of Wednesday’s mass shooting at Apalachee High School.
Local high school sports teams, businesses and churches posted messages of love and support in the wake of the shooting.
One local boutique business is selling shirts labeled “Barrow County Strong” and has so far raised $8,000 for the Barrow Community Crisis Fund, a local nonprofit, the business owner posted on social media.
“When something like this happens, I feel as if I have the power to make an impact —we all do. I’m just using what I have to hopefully help a community, to which I once & still do have strong ties, in a desperate time in need,” said Priscilla York on Facebook.
Four people, including two students and two teachers, were killed and nine others taken to various hospitals in a shooting at the school in Barrow County after 14-year-old student Colt Gray opened fire. He is in custody and has been charged as an adult with murder.
Other schools in the area also were locked down, sending students, teachers and parents into a tailspin of worry and heartbreak. Students sent “I love you” texts to their families, and later were ushered to safety outside, where they connected with parents.
The outpouring of local support has flooded social media. A tow company offered to bring people’s cars home from the school for no charge. Elite Print Group, another local business, is also selling t-shirts and yard signs with all the proceeds going to support the school. Thousands of dollars have been raised through various GoFundMe fundraisers for the victims.
A candlelight vigil held at Jug Tavern Park in Winder on Wednesday night brought out roughly 300 people from the community.
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
“As our community, school, and football program begins the mourning process we are so grateful for the outpouring of support. To our beloved defensive coordinator Ricky Aspinwall, we will carry you heavy in our hearts. We love you Coach A!!!” the Apalachee High School football team posted on X.
The University of North Georgia, which has a campus in nearby Gainesville, sent an email expressing support for the students and their families. Nearly 150 of the university’s students graduated from Apalachee High School.
“Processing and understanding such a traumatic event can be challenging, and there is no single way to cope with trauma and distress,” the email said. “Please be aware of the resources available to help and reach out for support if you or one of our fellow Nighthawks are in need.”
Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities posted information on social media about the 988 crisis hotline, through which trained counselors are available 24/7.
“On behalf of Commissioner Kevin Tanner and our 4,500 Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) team members, we pray for those impacted by today’s horrific tragedy in Barrow County,” a spokesman said in a statement.
From Texas, the Forth Worth Police Department showed its support on social media with the hashtag “#ApalacheeStrong.” The Norwalk school system in Connecticut posted to “extend its heartfelt condolences to Apalachee High School and the Winder, Georgia community,” and said its schools will have a greater police presence Wednesday and Thursday.
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