A candlelight vigil was held Monday evening at San Juan College for Ariana Rosas, a first-year welding student who was the victim of a recent shooting at the Animas Valley Mall.
Cade Allison, San Juan College President of Associated Students, spoke on behalf of the student body to express their condolences.
About 100 people attended, including SJC employees, students, family and friends, according to Rhonda Schaeffer, Sr. Director of Marketing and Public Relations for San Juan College.
Because of the weather, the vigil was moved from the Learning Commons Plaza to the Connie Gotsch Theatre, where guests were provided LED battery candles. Bouquets of flowers and a playlist of instrumental and soft music were created by students and played before and during the candlelight vigil.
Mindi-Kim Schrum, San Juan College senior director of financial aid, spoke on behalf of San Juan College, which was followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of Ariana.
Schrum said part of healing is remembering how Ariana touched the lives of so many. She said and instructor and classmates remember her as having a “million-dollar” smile.
“We’ve heard wonderful stories about her kindness and how she always took the time to help others,” Schrum said. “One student shared how she was lost and anxious on her first day of class, and Ariana kindly smiled at her and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll show you how to do college.”
Those attending received orange and purple ribbons, the orange to bring awareness to gun violence prevention and the purple to honor Ariana with one of her favorite colors.
“It is heartwarming to see so many gathered here to remember Ariana Rosas. We are all so very heartbroken over the loss of this beautiful young woman,” Schrum said.
Schrum read “The Light of Peace”:
“We light this candle to acknowledge that peace can be ours despite pain and loss.
“We light this candle to represent the light of peace.
“We pray for peace in the midst of our loss, especially when we feel frustrated or resentful that those around us may not understand our grief.
“We give ourselves permission to seek rest and quiet reflection and allow our wounded hearts to experience the pain of our loss.
“We open our heart and spirits to receive the peace that passes all understanding.”
As we extend our sincere condolences and prayers to Ariana’s family and friends, may she rest in peace.
Allison expressed the sadness felt by “losing one of our own.”
She added that the vigil was an opportunity to begin the healing process and honor the life of Ariana.
“Times like these are when we stand unified as one college and one community. Throughout her time here, she touched the lives of both students and employees. At 18 years old, Ariana had a lifetime of potential and prosperity ahead of her,” Allison said.
“As a teenager myself, I can also share a sincere sense of grief knowing someone in my age group will not be able to fulfill their dreams or life’s destiny. We must continue to live for Ariana, and in turn, her light will continue to shine and she will live forever through us,” Allison shared with those in attendance.
Allison said that they emphasize the importance of community and that they come together to comfort one another at San Juan College.
“May Ariana rest in peace,” Allison said.
