BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — Friday marked two years since the deadly Apalachee High School shooting, and communities from Barrow to Cobb counties helped support families impacted most.
“We all have experienced something that most people haven’t,” said Sasha Contreras.
She came home from college for the weekend to attend a candlelight vigil in Winder.
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“I wanted to be with everyone and be in a sense of community where I feel uplifted,” said Contreras.
She’s one of the students who has been open over the past two year about the mental impact the shooting has on daily lives here now. She said this date can make memories more pronounced.
Neighbors said that’s why gathering together can be key in some cases.
“That’s when we need each other most, right?” said Christina Ozawa. “To bring that community together and let people know that they’re not alone.”
Ozawa was one of those in the Winder park to draw messages of encouragement on the pavement before the vigil started.
Families of the two students killed in the shooting showed up to speak to the crowd.
“Please, don’t stop saying their names,” said Junior Angulo.
His brother, 14-year-old Christian Angulo, died while saving his classmates from the shooter. Mason Schermerhorn, 14, died in the hallway. Cristina Irimie and Ricky Aspinwall were the two math teachers who died that day.
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Another math teacher, David Phenix, was shot but survived.
Seven students also survived after getting shot and hit with shrapnel.
One of those students played in Apalachee High School’s band, and some members decided to play through the tough night Friday at the school’s football game against Lassiter High School in Cobb County.
Aspinwall coached the football team.
From the field in Cobb County to the park in Barrow County, the way each person marked year two may have varied, but everyone agreed community support is key.
“We’re all trying to, you know, take it one day at a time and to honor those that we lost,” said Contreras.
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