header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
February 10
2013 - Motion picture helicopter provider David Gibbs of Valencia and two others are killed in crash at Acton movie ranch; Hollywood's deadliest on-set incident since triple-fatal "Twilight Zone Movie" helicopter crash in Valencia in 1982 [report]
NTSB report on helicopter crash


Courtesy of The Signal, signalscv.com
| Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021
Saugus High School community members look toward the quad where a speaker talks about the school shooting that happened two years ago. Community members participate in Saugus' Unity of Community event on Friday, Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Austin Dave/For The Signal

Two years after the deadly school shooting at Saugus High School, the community joined together in person for its Unity of Community event to honor victims and look toward a brighter future.

The second annual Unity of Community provided the Saugus community a way to honor victims Gracie Muehlberger, 15, and Dominic Blackwell, 14, who lost their lives after a classmate opened fire on the Saugus High campus before turning the weapon on himself.

“Saugus High School has had more than its share of tragedy,” Genevieve Peterson Henry, current principal of Saugus High, said during the Nov. 5 event. “We are missing people today. And if we could change that we would. Miraculously, graciously, thankful and at times, sad and reluctantly, our community continues to move forward.”

Saugus High School community members embrace one another during the Unity of Community on Friday, Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Dave Austin/For The Signal

Henry shared how she’s seen so much love, hurt and vulnerability on campus in the ways teachers, staff and students have tearful conversations or encouraging phone calls and emails to support each other.

She also acknowledged how many people are still struggling with the aftermath of the school shooting and how many parents and guardians are still concerned and uncertain about their children.

“As we partner with you and counselors to empower our students to manage life’s journey through peaks and valleys, we share successes and we don’t stop trying until we get it right,” Henry said. “As we move forward through adversity, we will never forget our heroes both on and off campus. We will never forget those here today and those forever in our hearts.”

Saugus High School parents, teachers, faculty, families and Santa Clarita Valley residents listen attentively to speakers as they share words about the deadly school shooting that happened two years ago. Photo courtesy of Dave Austin/For The Signal

Victoria Phan, 12th grader and executive president of the student body at Saugus, led the Unity of Community day. She introduced speakers including former Saugus Principal Vince Ferry, 11th grader Mia Tretta, who is one of the three classmates injured by gunfire, 12th grader Clara Crider and alumni Kaitlyn Thanaet.

Tretta discussed how the campus has become a difficult location for many to set foot in.

“I love it here. I made high school memories when school was normal,” she said. “But today isn’t about the place. Because no matter where, we are Centurions. It’s not really about me either, or the people. It’s about the unification of this community. This is all of you.”

11th grader Mia Tretta, who is one of the three classmates injured by gunfire, shares her memories of Gracie Muehlberger and Dominic Blackwell who died in the deadly school shooting, and she also asked listeners ask for help when they need it. Photo courtesy of Austin Dave/For the Signal

It’s important that everyone can recognize their feelings whether it’s feeling depression, frustration or exhaustion, she said. It’s important to let yourself feel those emotions, but also to reach for help when you need it, she added.

The William S. Hart Union High School District offers several programs to help the Saugus High community, as well as support all of its students through its Hart District Wellness Center.

Community members can find numerous resources in English and Spanish on topics of grief, trauma recovery, self-care, stress and anxiety, suicide prevention, and more on the wellness center’s website.

There is also the Hart District Warm Line, a direct line of communication for students seeking emotional support with professionals. The line will be available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ferry noted that they don’t need one day to remember Gracie and Dominic because the community remembers them every single day in their hearts and mind.

A community member draws a heart and write a message of love during the Unity of Community at Saugus High School on Friday, Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Austin Dave/For The Signal

“For me, this is a remembrance of the grace, strength and support the Blackwells and Muehlbergers have given to us all and have shared with us,” Ferry said.

He also reinforced Tretta’s statement about reaching out for help when a person is feeling overwhelmed by their emotions or a situation.

“Let’s make Unity of Community a reminder that no one is ever alone and that we’re always much longer together,” Ferry said.

The Muehlberger and Blackwell families founded foundations in honor of their children. Both Gracie and Dominic were known for their loving and kind spirits, and each family wanted to continue with their legacy by supporting victims of gun violence or other traumas.

To find out more about the foundations, visit graciestrong.org and dmbfoundation.org. To view the Unity of Community program, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJgM2jVvjEw&t=710s. 

Former Saugus High School principal Vince Ferry gives a speech on how the community can recover and honor the victims of the Saugus school shooting that happened two years ago. Photo courtesy of Austin Dave/For The Signal

The Saugus High School choir performs during the Unity of Community at campus on Friday, Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Austin Dave/For the Signal

Saugus High School’s ROTC walks up toward the quad to showcase their routine during the Unity of Community at campus on Friday, Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Austin Dave/For the Signal

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Monday, Feb 10, 2025
Feb. 21: Sulphur Spring School District Job Fair
Sulphur Springs Union School District is hosting a job fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at 27000 Weyerhaeuser Way, Santa Clarita, CA, 91351.
Sunday, Feb 9, 2025
LASD Seeks Public’s Help Locating Missing Santa Clarita Man
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Missing Persons Unit is asking for the public’s help locating an at-risk missing person.
Friday, Feb 7, 2025
Ross Fundraiser Benefits SCV Boys & Girls Club
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, March 2, customers in Santa Clarita Valley can donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clarita Valley during checkout at their local Ross Dress for Less store.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
College of the Canyons softball was quick in claiming a pair of non-conference wins on Saturday, Feb. 8, sweeping its doubleheader vs. Imperial Valley College in commanding fashion.
Canyons Sweeps Doubleheader from Imperial Valley in Home Opener
The Open Book will host a local author fair, 2-6 p.m., Saturday, March 1. The Open Book is now accepting applications from authors to participate in the event.
March 1: The Open Book Hosting Local Author Fair
College of the Canyons track and field teams combined for 11 first-place finishes at the annual season-opening Battle of the Regions meet hosted by Bakersfield College on Friday, Feb. 7.
Canyons Track & Field Opens Strong at Battle of the Regions
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to stay informed and learn about new subjects can be a challenge; which is why I have always been a huge fan of the ease and flexibility of podcasts whether I’m using my AirPods to listen while exercising, playing through the car while driving or tuning in when relaxing at home.
Ken Striplin | Santa Clarita Voices is On Air
ARTree Community Arts Studio has been awarded a city of Santa Clarita Community Services and Arts Grant for 2025, which will allow it to offer its popular Nest: Healing Art Studio program an additional day each month for a year.
ARTree Receives Grant, Facilitating Nest Program
Junior Chamber International of Santa Clarita has announced the return of Get Real: Adulting 101, a fun and interactive financial education simulation for high school juniors and seniors.
March 29: JCI Get Real: Adulting 101 Seeks Sponsors
The city of Santa Clarita’s Film Office has released the list of nine productions currently filming in the Santa Clarita Valley for the week of Monday, Feb. 10 to Sunday, Feb. 16.
Feb. 10-16: Nine Productions Filming in Santa Clarita
Sulphur Springs Union School District is hosting a job fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at 27000 Weyerhaeuser Way, Santa Clarita, CA, 91351.
Feb. 21: Sulphur Spring School District Job Fair
2013 - Motion picture helicopter provider David Gibbs of Valencia and two others are killed in crash at Acton movie ranch; Hollywood's deadliest on-set incident since triple-fatal "Twilight Zone Movie" helicopter crash in Valencia in 1982 [report]
NTSB report on helicopter crash
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Missing Persons Unit is asking for the public’s help locating an at-risk missing person.
LASD Seeks Public’s Help Locating Missing Santa Clarita Man
1971, 6:01 a.m. - Sylmar/San Fernando Earthquake centered in Iron Canyon/Sand Canyon [WATCH FILM]
1971 earthquake film
1990 - Rock 'n' Roller Del Shannon, whose hit "Runaway" topped the charts in April 1961, found dead at home in Sand Canyon [story]
Del Shannon
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, March 2, customers in Santa Clarita Valley can donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clarita Valley during checkout at their local Ross Dress for Less store.
Ross Fundraiser Benefits SCV Boys & Girls Club
The Saugus Union School District Asset Management Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Feb. 12: Saugus School District Asset Management Committee Meeting
The Castaic Union School District Governing Board will hold its regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 5 p.m.
Feb. 13: Castaic School Board to Receive Chiquita Canyon Landfill Update
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale, led by Artistic Director Allan Robert Petker, is currently in its 25th anniversary season celebrating its mission to bring fine choral music to the Santa Clarita Valley community.
March 9: Santa Clarita Master Chorale Presents ‘Silver Serenade’
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a special meeting in closed session to negotiate the purchase of parcels of land at 5:30 p.m. in the Carl Boyer Room at City Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Feb. 11: City Council to Negotiate Land Purchases
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a business meeting Wednesday, Feb. 12, beginning at 5 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 4 p.m.
Jan. 12: COC Board Considers 2025 Goals, Affordable Student Housing
The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center in Valencia will offer a special Valentine’s Day Sweet Hearts Skate on Friday, Feb. 14.
Feb. 14: Sweet Hearts Skate Event at The Cube
Broken Leg Theatre has announced its upcoming production of the critically-acclaimed play, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike," written by Christopher Durang. Durang is a master of comedy and winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.
Feb. 14-16: ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ at The MAIN
Join the Valley Industry Association for a special Cocktails & Conversation event hosting Director of Economic Development of city of Santa Clarita, Tom Cole, Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Feb. 27: VIA Cocktails & Conversation With Tom Cole
The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation has announced that Natalie Vowell will assume the new Vice President of Business Development position for the Santa Clarita Valley.
SCVEDC Names Natalie Vowell New VP of Business
The Child & Family Center’s Pathways to Recovery Program, in partnership with the city of Santa Clarita, will host a special SCORE Scholarship Program sign-up event on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 3-6 p.m. in the Child & Family lobby.
Feb. 11: SCORE Scholarship Sign-Up Event
The city of Santa Clarita has announced a recap of the stats for another successful Holiday Light Tour, which brought joy and holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.
Holiday Light Tour Recap, Golden Ticket Giveaway Winner
SCVNews.com