There is a feeling that floats through the atmosphere at Columbine High School. For many, it’s a sense of love, belonging and pride – something nearly indescribable.
“It’s just the kind of thing that you can feel,” said sophomore Madison Price.
The tragedy at Columbine in 1999 changed many lives forever and it also created ripples for what the school should look like even to this day. In the years after, the Columbine community came together, said Principal Scott Christy, and dedicated to rebuilding stronger, pouring all their love into it.
And, 25 years later, Columbine’s students continue that work.
“The teachers and the staff have done a great job since that day,” said junior Corbin Dyer. “They changed the narrative.”
Christy has been with the school for 15 years, principal for the last seven. He recalled his experiences at the first homecoming assembly he attended. He was overcome with chills listening to the entire school chant, “We Are Columbine!”.
Many schools and organizations use the word “family” to describe themselves, he said, but at Columbine there’s an honest, shared sense of that.
“There’s a connection to this place,” Christy said. “The way people treat each other is just different. The love that exists at Columbine High School, the community, the pride, the culture is unlike any other place I’ve been to.”
Student Body President Ashlynn Elwood said Columbine has been the “coolest” experience in her life thus far.
“I’ve never felt more welcomed or feel like I belong in a community more than I do here,” said Elwood, adding that she would love for her own kids to attend the school.
“Even though that’s going to be probably in like 20 years, the school will be the exact same,” said Elwood. “If it does change, it’s going to be for the better.”
Not only does the school take great pride in their Day of Service, volunteering to help others each year on April 20, but in everything else – from the football team to assemblies to teachers. Elwood said the school is proud of the small details.
“It’s not just like a facade we put on,” said Elwood. “We encourage unity and belongingness.”
Teachers care about the development of each student, said Dyer. And alumni don’t disappear but instead continue to take part in watching sporting events and the Day of Service. The community is supportive and protective of the school, even online.
“It’s really special that people continue to choose to support it and be a part of Columbine,” said sophomore Madison Price. “Even with everything that’s happened, people really stand by it.”
When people think of Columbine, Christy wants people to know that the school is thriving. The school has high academics and aims to give students a comprehensive school experience as they prepare them for the rest of their lives.
Christy added that Columbine should be an example of what happens in the face of tragedy when people come together and a model for how to become strong.
“It’s the people that make Columbine what it is,” said Christy.