Evergreen Strong
By Echo Robbins (unedited)
Above and beyond is the only way to describe Evergreen’s reaction to the school shooting of September 10, 2025.
In the past few weeks, the town has come together to convey a message to each and every EHS student: you aren’t alone. In the aftermath, there have been non-stop events and a wave of support from community and religious leaders, teachers, local businesses, and even the governor.
“You guys are just tougher in the mountains,” said Courtney Hill, the Victims Services Manager for the Criminal Investigations Department. Hill said her department has helped many EHS families and students, and that they were still available if anyone needed help or just wanted to talk through issues.
As we find our way through complex feelings, resources for help have been generous. Groups like Resilience 1220 have been reaching out with group sessions, individual counseling, art and even animal therapy. At another support event last Monday, for example, EHS students were pleasantly surprised by a pen full of baby goats with floppy ears, bunnies, and two miniature horses. The event was held at the Evergreen Lake House.
For those of us who haven’t been keen about leaving home, there is still a hum of optimism around town. Recently, we’ve seen a pop of color downtown. That was the work of our very own Student Senate, planting yellow flowers to commemorate hope in our hometown.
The windows of businesses, the captions of selfies, and one huge sign at the intersection all sport a new slogan: “Evergreen Strong.”
Where were we on September 11? At the Buchanan Field vigil.
The last-minute event attracted thousands. Food trucks were lined up, tents went up, and a fire truck acted as a centerpiece. The evening was filled with music, prayers, and free ice cream.
Colorado governor Jared Polis was also present at the vigil.
“There is no answer to these kinds of horrific. violent acts. Together, we will show that we will triumph over evil and we are better together,” he said. “I know that you’ll be Evergreen strong.”
“The vigil was overwhelming in the best and hardest ways,” said David Callaghan, a former EHS student now at CU Boulder. “I felt relief seeing my friends were safe, but also heartbreak for what we’ve all been through. It meant a lot to be together.”
Together, our mountain community raised its voice to hearten the victims of the Evergreen High School shooting.
Image credit: Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen.