Vigils were held Wednesday night in Highlands Ranch as the community gathered to honor an 18-year-old shooting victim who was killed Tuesday, to recognize teenage heroes who intervened and likely stopped further carnage, and to thank first responders who rushed to the deadly scene.
The tone changed during the second vigil at Highlands Ranch High School, as STEM School Highlands Ranch students burst into a spontaneous demonstration, protesting politics and the media.
The protest, in the form of a walkout with chants, happened after Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democratic presidential hopeful, and Congressman Jason Crow, spoke to the crowd.
Students, several hundred strong, chanted “Mental health” and complained about the media in derogatory terms.
The protest derailed the organized vigil, although students eventually went back into the gym and spoke as part of an open-microphone gathering, where they continued to vent. The event ended at about 9 p.m.
Earlier, another vigil was held in the wake of Tuesday’s shooting — the fourth school shooting in Colorado since the Columbine High School massacre 20 years ago.
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A common question at the gatherings: “How can this continue to happen?” There were also collective pleas for the senseless killings to end and demands for tighter gun control.
Kendrick Castillo, a robotics aficionado who enjoyed fishing, hunting and automobiles, was the student killed in the school shooting. Kendrick’s father said his son threw himself at an armed student so classmates could be saved.
A nondenominational vigil, “Light, Hope, and Healing,” was held at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd., starting just after 6 p.m.
More than 1,000 people — students, teachers, staff members and their families — turned out, packing the church with attendees settling into perimeter rooms and some students getting as comfy as possible on the floor, so as not to obstruct views.
There were many hugs throughout the service, some weeping, some crying as raw emotions took over. There were smiles and happy greetings, as well, which also led to hugs. Hugs were encouraged throughout the service.
Tables, in the lobby and the church, were filled with posters and cards. STEM community members used markers to write down uplifting messages. The church had staff members on hand to counsel anyone who needed help in their recovery.
The Rev. Annie Arnoldby assured everyone attending that the church is “a safe place … a place of community.
“We hope we are supportive of you and all that you need,” she said.
Song and Scripture were part of the program. A guitar player opened with a solemn, reflective piece by The Fray, “Be Still,” his interpretation appropriate for the gathering.
“Be still and know that I’m with you,” he sang. “Be still and know that I am here.
“If terror falls upon your bed
And sleep no longer comes
Remember all the words I said
Be still, be still, and know.”
Students took turns reading short passages from Scripture.
People attending were encouraged to turn to others near them and exchange their emotions, tell someone their fears and how they were coping with what happened. The church filled with voices. The exchange lasted about five minutes. Later, another exchange was encouraged, this one centered on anger.
Jennifer Kloeppel, director of family ministry, told the gathering that anger is a normal, necessary part of the healing process. Voices again filled the church.
The Colorado branch of Team Enough organized the event at Highlands Ranch High School. The event, open to the public, had multiple speakers scheduled, including Columbine High School senior Kaylee Tyner, founder of the MyLastShot campaign.
