At Commodore Stockton Skills School, the heavy weight of grief hangs in the air following the tragic death of 8-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero. In a chilling mass shooting that left four dead and numerous others injured, Journey’s vibrant spirit was stolen far too soon. Her classmates and teachers describe her as “nice, funny, kind, and smart,” leaving a void that will never be filled.
In the days following the tragedy, the school community came together to honor Journey in a touching way. Students decorated her empty desk with flowers and heartfelt drawings, a poignant reminder of the joy she brought to their lives. As Erica Flores, a mother of one of Journey’s friends, expressed, the shock and sadness that followed the incident are difficult for even adults to comprehend. Talking to children about such violence is beyond heartbreaking; it’s a profound challenge.
The Stockton Unified School District is taking steps to support grieving students, deploying crisis teams featuring counselors and mental health clinicians to help everyone process their emotions. Journey’s story highlights the long-lasting impacts of violence within families and the community, emphasizing the importance of support and healing in the aftermath of such tragedies. As we reflect on this loss, it’s essential to address how it affects the innocence of children and ultimately, the future of our communities.
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Andrew Johnson
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