Twenty-five years have passed since the Columbine High School massacre, an event that forever changed the landscape of school safety in America. On April 20, 1999, two seniors took the lives of twelve students and a teacher before ending their own lives in the library.
The tragic incident marked a turning point for gun violence prevention efforts and sparked ongoing debates about mental health services, school security measures, and gun control policies. In honor of those who were lost that day, survivors, families, friends, and community members gathered to remember the victims and reflect on the progress made since then.
Thirteen people were killed during the Columbine High School shooting: Rachel Scott (17), Daniel Rohrbough (15), Cassie Bernall (17), Steven Curnow (14), Matthew Kechter (16), Isaiah Shoels (18), Kyle Velasquez (16), John Tomlin, Lauren Townsend, and Kelly Fleming, all 17 years old, Daniel Mauser, Corey DePooter, and Dave Sanders, a beloved teacher and coach.
The victims are remembered through memorials that describe their personalities, dreams, and quotes. For instance, Rachel Scott is known for her kindness and faith as she was the first student killed in the shooting. She left behind a quote: “I still love you,” which has become a symbol of hope and resilience.
Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel was also killed that day, became an advocate for gun safety following the massacre. He shared his grief with the community during a vigil held at First Baptist Church in Denver.
Kiki Leyba, who was in his first year teaching English at Columbine when he got the news about the shooting, never seriously considered leaving and still teaches there. Nathan Hochhalter, an alumnus of Columbine High School, spoke at the vigil and shared that he was in earth science class when the shooting occurred. His sister Anne Marie was paralyzed from the shooting and their mother took her own life several months later.
The impact of gun violence on survivors is long-lasting. They often experience anxiety around April every year, as bodies remember trauma and mental health support systems are crucial for healing.
Since Columbine, there have been over 1,200 shootings on school grounds that killed more than 400 people nationwide. Nineteen of these incidents occurred in Colorado alone, leaving eight people dead. The number of annual school shootings has risen dramatically in recent years with a record high of 348 incidents recorded in the previous year.
School shootings where the perpetrator is a student are mostly preventable as there are usually warning signs before an attack. However, these warnings often go unheeded or unreported. It is essential to prioritize mental health services and create safe environments for students to express their concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation.
As we remember the victims of Columbine and honor their memories, it is crucial to continue advocating for policies that promote school safety, mental health support, and gun control measures. By working together as a community, we can ensure that no family ever has to experience the pain of losing a loved one in such a senseless act of violence again.
