Students Return to Columbine for Belongings

Columbine High students were allowed back inside Tuesday for the first time since the shootings six weeks ago to retrieve backpacks and other belongings they left behind when they ran for their lives.

“We’re in shock again,” said 16-year-old Charise Walters. “We’re in shock that we have to go back under these circumstances. We were happy to be there, but there were sad moments for some of the people.”

Until Tuesday, the school had been off-limits to students as authorities investigated the massacre and checked for booby traps. Authorities had taken only a few students inside earlier to help reconstruct the attack, and some teachers also were let in last month.

Counselors and clergy members were on hand to help. Parents were also invited, although most students came by themselves.

Teachers escorted groups of about 15 students to classrooms to pick up their things.

Some students were tearful. Many seemed relieved, breaking into smiles as they hugged and spoke with friends, parents and teachers.

Galina Vol, who graduated last month, emerged from the school in tears. She said going back reminded her of the days before the shooting.

“We were doing projects and just enjoying the last few weeks of school,” Vol said. “And we just didn’t get to finish it there, and I’m really sad about that.”

Columbine students finished the school year at nearby Chatfield High.

The Rev. Don Marxhausen went into the school with several students from his church. He said the atmosphere was a little tense.

The students were “happy to find their backpacks, some discovering the glasses that they missed and others finding lunches that have been down there for six weeks,” he said.

Students were barred from some areas--including the library, where gunmen Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed themselves and most of their 13 victims.

Except for some items that are being held as evidence, belongings left in the library, the halls or the cafeteria were placed in the auditorium for the students to pick up. Items left in lockers were sorted, labeled and left in the gymnasium.

Andrea Morroni, who went with her son, 15-year-old Dante, said the damage inside was striking. “Glass is broken all over. Lockers are open. Ceiling panels are out,” she said.

The cleanup and rebuilding began Tuesday, when authorities returned control of everything but the library to the school district. The library is still being treated as a crime scene.

Walters said going back left her feeling a little sad.

“But it felt like home to me,” she said. “We got our school back, and we’re all happy.”