Triad Diary
Columbine flower
Under my hoop earrings and beaded bracelets I found the priceless piece of jewelry — a small purple and white flower pin.
It's a Columbine flower.
Expensive, no. Sentimental, yes. It was given to me by Columbine High School students Devon Adams, Sarah Bay, Sergio Gonzales and Samantha Haviland.
I was truly honored to meet these brave teenagers when they traveled in fall of 1999 with Columbine teacher Paula Reed to speak at high schools across Manatee County, Fla., where I was an education reporter writing a series about safety.
We became fast friends as I watched their courage inspire others. Their emotional stories and tearful tributes captured the hearts of thousands, including mine.
They wanted me to have the pin to remember them and those they lost during the shootings in their school April 20, 1999. A promise made is a promise kept — I am wearing that pin today.
So to Devon, Sarah, Sergio, Samantha and Paula — and to their classmates, staff, friends and family — we will not soon forget you and the stories you have shared.
— Annette Ayres, Summerfield
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