Lili Rigor, a classmate of the 17-year old student that was stabbed and killed last week, embraces a community member at a vigil in Watsonville on Sunday, Sept. 5. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa CruzPosted inK-12 Education
PHOTOS: Vigil held in Watsonville to honor Aptos High stabbing victim
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After the tragic stabbing death of a student at Aptos High School last week, a Peace & Unity Vigil was held Sunday in Watsonville’s Romo Park on Main Street in the 17-year-old’s memory.
The vigil in Watsonville Sunday featured photos of the 17-year old Aptos High student that was stabbed and killed last week on campus.(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Danny Contreras has become a community leader after spending 12 years in prison. Here he speaks at the vigil for the boy stabbed and killed at Aptos High, while holding his baby son Ray. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Danny Contreras tells his story to a crowd gathered for the vigil of a 17-year-old killed on campus at Aptos High on Aug. 31. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Two attendees embrace during speeches being given at the Peace and Unity Vigil held in Watsonville on Sunday Sept. 5.(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Lili Rigor, a classmate of the 17-year old student that was stabbed and killed last week, embraces a community member at a vigil in Watsonville on Sunday, Sept. 5. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Sienna Ybarra was a classmate of the Aptos High student who was stabbed and killed on campus last week. She attended the vigil in Watsonville Sunday. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Sienna Ybarra and Maria Orozco, a PVUSD Board trustee, listen to a speech made by Pastor Jerry Morales at the vigil in Watsonville on Sunday, Sept. 5. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
A woman holds a candle at the vigil in Watsonville on Sunday, Sept. 5. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
More than 100 community members, family and friends of those that have died as a result of violence gathered to remember those who lost their lives at a young age. Community and religious leaders spoke at the event — which took place from 10 a.m. to noon — as well as the family members of murder victims.
Classmates of the victim also showed up to mourn and pay their respects. Attendees were asked to support working to reduce violence in all forms and wherever it occurs.
The event was organized by the Watsonville Peace & Unity Coalition and sponsored by Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, the Community Action Board and Barrios Unidos.
Kevin Painchaud is an international award-winning photojournalist. He has shot for various publications for the past 30 years, appearing on sites nationwide, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, MSNBC, The...
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