Date: Fri 14-May-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Columbine-high-school-vigil

Full Text:

Columbine Commemoration Will Be A Call For Understanding

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

It has been nearly a month since the nation was shocked by the killings at

Columbine High School in Colorado. Carela Catigano, however, is still not

ready to let it go. There are too many lessons still to be learned, she said.

The NHS junior has been a driving force behind a week-long program in June

that will include a June 1 candle light vigil in Bruce Jenner Stadium, a

memorial tree and flower planting and a community-wide covenant for peace and

understanding.

"We want to create a sense of comfort and understanding within the community

rather than fear among different groups, or the ostracizing of different

groups," Carela said. "There were so many things that could have prevented

that tragedy. This is something that we think can help."

Last week, several members of the community, including clergy, students and

school administrators, gathered to formulate plans for this commemoration.

NHS junior Kyle Jones, a youth representative from Trinity Church, said she

hopes the lessons learned will last a lifetime. To forget would be a mistake,

she said. The idea for these week-long ceremonies is to keep that sense of

understanding "fixed" on people's minds for more than just a day or two.

The Rev Gregory Wismar of Christ the King Lutheran Church said the event is

not just a memorial. "It's not a reaction to Columbine, although that is what

precipitated this. It's a wake-up call."

And it all starts with a giant quilt which will contain the community's

five-point "covenant." Those five points include the following promises: 1.

respect; 2. responsibility; 3. appreciating differences; 4. caring; and 5.

resolving conflict through intervention.

Committee members are still fine-tuning the details, but they will include

such promises as: "I will not judge others simply by their appearance," and "I

will stick up for those being intimidated or discriminated against."

Initially the quilt, covered in small blue and gold ribbons, will be on

display in the high school lobby. Each student can then remove a ribbon as a

symbol of his or her promise of understanding toward others.

The quilt, which was donated by Chintz & Printz, will be a symbol of the

community's commitment to making Newtown a better place to grow up in, noted

the Rev Steve Gordon of the Newtown Congregational Church.

"There seems to be so much violence in the world today -- in communities and

schools. We really feel like we want to be pro-active in making a covenant of

how we will treat and care for each other -- to make a statement about what we

want to become," Mr Gordon said.

Prayer Vigil

Next month's candlelight prayer vigil is expected to draw thousands to the NHS

football stadium. The ceremony will be a serious one, with prayers and an

explanation by students of why the service is being held. The NHS chorus

singers will be on hand as well.

"Everyone is asked to bring candles and they can light them off the main

candle which will be down on the field," Carela said.

From there, the procession will move to the front entrance of the school where

a weeping cherry tree will be planted and then surrounded with perennial white

Columbine flowers donated by Lexington Gardens. The plantings will serve as a

constant reminder to students that there is good in everyone and that harsh

words and actions can only lead to pain.

Clergy members say they have been impressed with the enthusiasm of Newtown

youths to ensure that Newtown High School remains a safe place to attend

class.

"The seed will be planted at the high school, but we hope it will grow

throughout the community," Mr Gordon said.

(The candlelight vigil will take place June 1 at 7:30 pm in the football

stadium at Newtown High School. The ceremony is expected to last about 30

minutes.)