MARYSVILLE — It is a tradition meant to remember lives taken by violence and to hold each other up in grief.
As part of its nearly 40-year history Victim Support Services regularly has organized a candlelight ceremony in December for survivors to honor their loved ones.
“We know people out there may have a difficult time during the holidays. We want to provide them a space to come together in a meaningful way,” said Nancy Hawley, the nonprofit’s director of victim services.
The grief never ends but it can be particularly crushing around the holidays, she said. People may feel bad or confused about celebrating, what in the past had been a joyous day. Survivors don’t want their loved ones to be forgotten. They also want to heal, Hawley said.
This year Victim Support Services advocates believed it was important to hold a service specifically to remember the young people who were killed at Marysville Pilchuck High School on Oct. 24, and the hundreds of students who were there that morning.
Christmas Eve will mark the second month since the deadly shootings at the high school.
Killed were Zoe Galasso, Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, Gia Soriano, all 14, and Andrew Fryberg, 15. Nate Hatch, 14, who was shot in the jaw, is the only victim to survive. The shooter, Jaylen Fryberg, 15, killed himself.
The community is invited to attend the remembrance, scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at Comeford Park in Marysville. Candles will be provided.
“We want to give people the opportunity to remember the victims, and also come together with hope for the future and hope that things can be different,” Hawley said.
Monday also marks the first day of the winter break for the school district. The recovery committee is planning various activities for students in hopes of keeping kids connected while they aren’t in school.
“We want to keep the students busy and connected with their peers, who understand what they’re going through,” Hawley said.
Staff from Victim Support Services have been working at the high school, helping families sign up for state’s crime victims compensation program, which provides money for such things as medical bills and funeral expenses.
The group’s mental health professional also has been providing one-on-one counseling for students. Hawley said she expects that will transition into some support groups for students.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @dianahefley
Remembrance
Candlelight remembrance for the victims of the Marysville Pilchuck High School shooting: 7-8 p.m. Monday, Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave., Marysville. Candles will be provided.
To support the families, survivors and Marysville Pilchuck High School donations may be made to a special account at Heritage Bank (formerly Whidbey Island Bank), located at 1031 State Ave., Marysville, or go to www.mphsrecoveryfund.org.
Resources
Victim Support Services: 425-252-6081 and 24/7 Hotline: 800-346-7555
Michelle Pauley, a trauma-informed therapist: 425-953-6222
Crime Victim Compensation Program: 800-762-3716 or go to www.lni.wa.gov.
Tips for parents are available at www.aboutourkids.org
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