LITTLETON, Colo. — April 20, 2024 marks 25 years since two gunmen opened fire at Columbine High School, killing 12 students and one teacher.
On Saturday, current Columbine and Jefferson County students participated in the annual day of service to honor the 13 victims.
“It's to honor April 20th, when the shooting happened,” said Eva Martinez, a senior at Columbine High School.
On a day full of darkness, students are brightening up the Columbine community.
“A lot of bringing like, painting and doing new stuff, and bringing like new vibrancy to like old stuff, which is really cool,” said Martinez.
Eva Martinez and the Columbine High School softball team are transforming the teacher's lounge for the annual day of service.
“Just give back to the community, instead of having it be a sad day,” Martinez said.
Jeffco Public Schools students tackled projects all over town.
“I think it really just brings our community together and shows, like, we are stronger from our past, and we are stronger as a result of our past,” Martinez said. “Instead of crumbling as a result of it.”
Martinez has been taking part in the day of service for three years, even though she didn't know any of the victims.
“No, I was born in 2006,” Martinez said.
But Jenny Branch did.
“I played softball for Dave Sanders during the club season,” said Branch, Columbine High School’s softball coach. “Coach Sanders was just awesome. He was the fun guy. He was just always supporting everyone. He just lightened up the practice if we were, you know, having a tough day. He was just always there for us. He was just really special.”
Now, Branch coaches the girls, like Sanders coached her.
“Definitely had an impact on and had an influence on what my career choice was,” Branch said.
They play and practice on the field, dedicated in his honor.
“I think a lot of people know the name and think it's like, they're surprised we are still open and stuff,” Martinez said. “But of course we are still open you know, and we are a really tight-knit community.”
“I think I want them to think about the impact we are making, not what happened to us,” she added.
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