Gathering Helps Community Heal After Fatal School Standoff
POSTED: 4:13 am MDT October 2, 2006
UPDATED: 7:33 am MDT October 2, 2006
BAILEY, Colo. -- A day after thousands of mourners remembered Emily Keyes in a two-hour memorial service, more than 200 gathered at a bonfire Sunday in honor of the 16-year-old who was killed by a gunman who took her hostage at her high school. With music, food and conversation, the gathering was a time for the community to support Platte Canyon High School teachers and students, and the law enforcement officials who responded to the standoff. Keyes was among six girls taken hostage in a classroom by Duane Morrison, 53, on Wednesday. He shot Keyes and himself after SWAT officers stormed the classroom. The other hostages survived, but Park County sheriff's officials said the girls were sexually molested.
"I think that this has really made us strong," said Alex Floyd, a senior at Platte Canyon. "We're stronger than we'll ever be right now. And I also want to say, if you're one of these people who has trouble saying, `I love you,' get over it. We need to start saying, `I love you,' to everybody." Relatives, friends and even those who didn't know Keyes took turns speaking. "We will survive this together," said Connie Griebel, whose four children attended Platte Canyon High School.Safeway and King Soopers each donated enough food to feed 2,000 people at the vigil. Teachers were scheduled to return to the school Monday, with students scheduled to return to classes Thursday.The school district is asking parents and their children to meet at Deer Creek elementary school on Wednesday, when they can talk to teachers and pick up anything left behind when the school was evacuated last week. Counselors will be available throughout the week.Platte Canyon High School will host a home football game on Tuesday. The game, against Colorado Springs Christian, will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will feature a tribute to Emily Keyes before the game begins.
Previous Stories:
- October 1, 2006: Bailey Gathers At Vigil To Remember Emily
- October 1, 2006: Platte Canyon Plans To Re-Open To Students Thursday
- September 29, 2006: Gunman's Letter Apologizes For Actions 'That Will Occur'
- September 29, 2006: Gunman's Threatening Voice Heard On Audio Tape
- September 29, 2006: Community Shows Support For Sheriff's Decision
- September 29, 2006: Gunman's Motives Remain Unclear As New Clues Surface
- September 29, 2006: Girl's Last Txt Msg To Parents: I Luv U Guys
- September 28, 2006: Mom Says Son Lied About What Happened Inside Bailey Classroom
- September 27, 2006: Student Hostage, School Gunman Die In School Standoff
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