CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Hundreds of people gathered at Kenwood Middle School Saturday evening for a candlelit vigil honoring the two students killed in Friday’s school bus crash in Carroll County.
The vigil, held from 6-8 p.m., drew students, families, educators and community members who filled the school’s front entrance. Many left flowers and candles, embracing through tears as classmates shared memories of their friends who died in the wreck.
Local leaders on supporting one another
Several local and state leaders attended and offered words of support.
State Rep. Ronnie Glynn encouraged the crowd to lean on one another in the days ahead. “We are all affected in the community. It doesn’t matter what school you come from,” he said.
Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board member Jimmie Garland told attendees that answers will come as the investigation continues. “We don’t know what the situation is behind this, but I assure you we will get to the bottom of it,” he said, urging anyone struggling to reach out.
| PREVIOUSLY: Dashcam video shows school bus crossing yellow lines before deadly crash
County Commissioner Lisa Prichard, who represents District 16, which includes Kenwood Middle, said the county stands ready to support families. “The county is with you – whatever you need for the kids here,” she said. “I know this is heartbreaking.”
School board member Carol Berry said her thoughts were with the families of the students lost. “My heart is heavy for the loss of our students,” she said. “Their kindness will be remembered forever.”
School Board Chairman Chris Lanier also addressed the crowd. “Our thoughts are with you. Our prayers are with you,” he said. “It’s a tough time, and I know everyone is hurting.”
Board member Kacie Bryant echoed that message. “We are with you. We are a community that stands with you. We love you and all of our students.”
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City Council member and CMCSS teacher Brian Zacharias thanked the community for showing up to honor the students and support the families during this difficult time.
State Rep. Michael Lankford, City Council member Wanda Smith and the onsite pastor each led prayers over the crowd. Afterward, students were invited to the front, where parents surrounded them in a circle of support.
Students share their memories
Several students spoke during the vigil, remembering the two girls who died in the crash. Many cried as they described their friends’ personalities, laughter and the impact they had on their lives.
Emotions also poured out of the mother of one of the girls who died. Through tears, she spoke about her daughter and the depth of the loss as the crowd stood in silence to support her.
One student told Clarksville Now he learned Friday afternoon that a close friend had died. He said he struggled to accept the news. “I never want to live through that again,” he said.
Details emerge as investigation continues
The vigil came less than 24 hours after the Kenwood Middle School bus, carrying students and staff to a STEM competition in Jackson, crossed the center line and collided with a TDOT truck. Two students were killed and many others were injured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation
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