Several of the journalists in our newsroom worked to understand, and in some cases, unravel, the narratives woven into the fabric of our community since the Columbine High School shooting 25 years ago. Along with the stories, our journalists came away with a tapestry of lessons that embrace the transformation and resilience those closest to Columbine embody.
Reporters Nina Joss and Elisabeth Slay approached their reporting with a philosophy that placed the community at the helm. They discovered that when the subjects of their stories were given the reins, a space was created for transformation. This method of reporting brought forth narratives of hope and joy, a stark contrast to the tragedy-laden stories that tend to dominate the discourse.
“Many sources mentioned how the school is changing its narrative and I hope this series reflects the common theme we heard, which is that Columbine High School is more than its ‘darkest day,’” Slay said.
Freelance schools reporter Suzie Glassman found herself deeply moved. Her encounters with stalwart voices, such as former Columbine Principal Frank DeAngelis and its current principal, Scott Christy, revealed the depth of courage and care that has become the cornerstone of what the Columbine community describes as family. She said, “These leaders showed me that security is more than surveillance – it’s a series of actions that create a sense of love and belonging.”
Reporters Rylee Dunn and Ellis Arnold faced the difficult task of confronting past errors journalists made in reporting on mass shootings. Through this project, Dunn gleaned valuable insights into the ethics of journalism and the impact of media coverage on those affected.
“I am really grateful to all of the sources who contributed to this project for sharing their stories and experiences, and I hope that readers can learn as much as I did through reporting on this tragedy,” Dunn said.
While some of the journalists on this project recalled Columbine vividly or, like Glassman, were on the cusps of their journalism careers when the tragedy struck, others grew up in its wake. Reporter Haley Lena grew up in the shadow of Columbine in neighboring Highlands Ranch. She said Columbine’s legacy was an intrinsic part of her upbringing. For her, our project illuminated myriad stories yet to be told, painting a picture not of sorrow, but of a vibrant community united in support and care.
“Columbine High School is a united community, a place for staff and students to feel heard, supported and truly cared for,” Lena said.
As we reflect on the lessons from Columbine, it is clear that Columbine changed us. Though a simple search online could lead people to conclude that Columbine is frozen in time – a horrific snapshot of 1999 – the stories our newsroom encountered 25 years later are of people who took that moment and decided to do the hard work of making the world a better place, however they could.
That is the story that needs amplification. Those are the stories we hope people find and read.
The Columbine community that we met taught us about the strength of aspiring for unity, the transformative power of giving voice to survivors and the importance of responsible storytelling. Columbine High School, etched into history for one dark day, emerges as a beacon of hope that a community can rise, heal and redefine its narrative for generations to come.