Apalachee High School will pause on September 4 to honor the lives lost in last year’s school shooting. The Barrow County community will join students and staff for a day of reflection, healing, and unity, according to Apalachee High Principal Jessica Rehberg.
Remembering lives lost
The one-year anniversary marks the tragedy that claimed the lives of students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and teachers Cristina Irimie and Ricky Aspinwall. School leaders say the day will be dedicated to remembering those victims, while also providing students and staff with opportunities for support and connection.
“This will be a school day, but not a typical school day,” Rehberg wrote in a message to families. “It will be a day of giving back, receiving support, and growing closer with one another.” She referred to it as a ‘Day of Prevailing Love.’
Activities planned
Students who attend classes will have an opportunity to participate in a morning community service project and hear from a motivational speaker. Chris Singleton travels the country sharing messages of hope after his mother was killed in the 2015 Charleston church shooting.
The afternoon will be devoted to healing and wellness-focused activities, including mental health support sessions. Students and staff are encouraged to wear blue and gold to show their Apalachee pride, with schools across the district expected to join in solidarity.
Evening vigil
The day will conclude with a community-led vigil at 7 p.m. at the Apalachee High School flagpole. The event is open to the public.
Flexibility for families
Families who prefer to keep their children home that day will be able to do so without penalty. School leaders said absences reported through the school’s online form will not count against exam exemptions.
However, teachers have said they are expected to use sick time if they choose to stay home.
“It feels like the response hasn’t been as organized as we hope it would have been,” one teacher told Atlanta News First. “They’re promoting students to heal as they wish, but then not giving that same respect to teachers.”
On the evening of Sept. 5 from 7-9 p.m., Change for Chee is holding a student and community-led vigil at the Winder Home Depot parking lot, located at 640 Carl-Bethlehem Road.
Apalachee High administrators expressed gratitude to families for their “support, love, and compassion” as the school community prepares to mark the difficult milestone together.
