Date: Fri 04-Jun-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

NHS-candlelight-vigil

Full Text:

Adopting A Covenant Of Understanding

(with photos)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

In less than two weeks, the football field at Newtown High School will be the

site of graduation ceremonies for the class of 1999. Earlier this week,

however, the field was used for an entirely different kind of occasion -- a

ceremony honoring those who will never have the chance to graduate.

More than 100 community members attended Tuesday's candlelight vigil at Bruce

Jenner Stadium. They came to remember those killed this past April at

Columbine High in Littleton, Colorado. They also came to celebrate the hope

that violence in America's schools can be halted though kindness and mutual

understanding.

Holding candles, which flickered in the warm June breeze, students, teachers,

parents and local clergy stood along the 50-yard line singing songs and

praying for peace. Their presence symbolized the community's covenant of peace

and a reconfirmation of its need to be vigilant.

In her opening prayer, Rev Kathie Adams-Shephard of Trinity Church asked for a

future free of violence, hatred and disrespect.

"Look with compassion, O God, on the whole human family, take away the

arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that

separate us; unite us in bonds of respect, trust, responsibility, caring and

love," she said.

As the NHS chorus singers, led by senior Heather Gunn, sang "Lean On Me," the

procession then moved to the front of the school where a weeping cherry tree

was planted in honor of students across the country who were killed while

going to school. Student Alan Henderson, a youth minister at Newtown Christian

Church, said the tree also symbolizes the community's concern for its young

people.

"The tree will gain strength over the years as its roots grow deeper and its

branches reach higher. Our community should resemble this tree," he said.

"When we properly care for others we will grow stronger."

The ceremony also gave students the opportunity to unveil their five-point

covenant for peace and understanding written on a large white sheet (see box).

Those who attended took a moment to sign the sheet, affirming their commitment

to "break the cycle of hatred and embrace care and hope." They then wore blue

and gold ribbons to tell others of their pledge. The sheet is now on display

in the NHS lobby for students to sign throughout the week.

Rev Steve Gordon of the Newtown Congregational Church urged those in

attendance to have strength in the convictions expressed in the covenant.

"May it become a part of our very living day to day, so that what begins as a

tiny seed planted here tonight will grow its branches to include the entire

community of Newtown, and our light will shine out to the whole world," he

said in a prayer.

The Board of Education did not attend Tuesday's event. The board had already

scheduled a meeting for the same time.

The event was the brainchild of junior Carela Catigano who said she was not

ready to let the tragedy of Columbine High School go without some kind of

local notice. There were far too many lessons to be learned, she said.

NHS freshman Jessica Smedley said she fears that a tragedy like the one at

Columbine High could happen in Newtown. History has proven that these

senseless tragedies can happen anywhere. Jessica said she wanted to do her

part to help make sure it never happens in Newtown.

"I think the ceremony let the entire community understand what students feel

about what's been going on," she said.

The event was organized by students Kyle Jones, Claire Nowicki, Jessica

Smedley, Sarah Adams-Shephard, Kaitlin Dunseith, Adam Secola, Alan Henderson,

NHS Principal Bill Manfredonia, Rev Gordon, Rev Adams-Shephard, Rev Gregory

Wismar of Christ the King Lutheran Church and Rev Kurt Huber of Trinity

Episcopal Church.