Columbine Service Held as Classes Set to Resume

MORRISON, Colo. — Columbine High School students gathered in a scenic amphitheater Sunday at a memorial service for their classmates and teacher killed in the April 20 massacre.

Today, they go back to class at a different school.

“I will not allow this tragedy to erase the 27 years of excellence that Columbine represents,” principal Frank DeAngelis said.

Close friends of the 12 slain students and teacher William “Dave” Sanders told bittersweet stories to the 3,000 students, parents and teachers assembled at the Red Rocks arena.

A student representative from each of the four grades sent get-well wishes to the 23 wounded, five of whom remained in the hospital.

The memorial service opened with a song by Big Head Todd and the Monsters, a rock band made up of Columbine alums who won their school talent show in 1984.

As some gathered at the amphitheater, others gravitated to a memorial near the school in Littleton. Around town, Columbine students got ready to go to school at their old rival.

“I want to go back for sure,” said Tiffany Typher, a senior wearing a “CHS” ribbon in her hair. But . . . I’d rather go back to Columbine, just to have closure.”

Columbine is still a massive crime scene after two students went on a shooting and bombing spree April 20, killing 12 students, a teacher and themselves. The school won’t be reopened until the fall, at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Deputy Sheriff Troy Gardalen said Sunday that the parents of shooter Dylan Klebold were “very cooperative” in a nearly two-hour interview with investigators. Thomas and Susan Klebold answered questions about their son Friday.

The parents of the other gunman, Eric Harris, have refused to talk with investigators unless they are granted immunity from criminal prosecution.