Love prevails: One year after the shooting at Apalachee High School

Image courtesy: Mia Tanner

Today, and always, we remember the lives lost — Cristina, Richard, Mason and Christian. 

Sept. 4, 2024 is a day I can picture so clearly in my head, even after a year. 

Around noon, I was eating lunch while taking notes for my communication law class. During a study break, I went on my phone to scroll on Instagram. The first image that appeared on my feed showed police presence at Apalachee High School from a news outlet, describing an active shooter situation. I felt my heart sink to my stomach following the remembrance of my family’s connection to the school.

Immediately, I called my mom and frantically asked if this was the school my younger cousin, Sasha, attended.

Sasha, and my aunt, were both at school.  

I’d never experienced fear as intense or physical before that moment. My vision was clouded by worry and there was a buzz coursing through my veins. I realized later that my body was most likely preparing for incredible levels of grief. 

My older cousin, Layla, was able to contact me soon after to tell me that her sister and her mom were okay.

After tragedies like this one, I always hear the same statement: “You don’t know what it’s like until it happens to someone you love.”   

My family being in the school during the shooting felt worse than if I had been in there. As someone who has a very close relationship with my family, maybe that feeling was born out of this everlasting link to her or the innate desire to protect my younger cousins. 

When I saw Sasha the following night at a vigil, she hugged me tight. She told me, “I prayed for you, Mia. I prayed for you, and all of our cousins.” 

I’ve never heard someone admit to something more selfless than praying for others while being in danger themselves. 

That night, I watched the Winder community hold each other in united mourning. Anger and frustration lingered in the air — yet hope was burning in every soul. The beginning of a long road to healing began, and each person’s presence was a silent promise to uplift their neighbors for as long as that journey may take.  

Over the course of the next year, Layla and Sasha dedicated their time to advocating for a safer school environment through their organization, Change For Chee. 

They showed up for their community through petitions, board meetings, state capitol visits and more. I hold such admiration in knowing that they have turned the aftermath of a tragedy that changed the trajectory of so many lives, into action. 

On Sept. 5, 2024, I drove past dozens of signs in front of the city of Winder’s houses and businesses that read, “Love will prevail.” Today, exactly one year later, I travel the same roads to see the same signs standing steadfast in those spots. 

I felt compelled to write something about Apalachee High School and my family because of sudden deja vu.

Because my reality is “back to normal,” and vastly different from those who are still struggling with their own.   

But it’s a stark reminder that love prevails — it always will. 

Strike Out,

Mia Tanner

Editor: Stella Turner 

Athens