Mom Stands In for Slain Student at Graduation
The mother of Bryan Zuckor, one of two students killed in the March 5, 2001, shooting rampage at Santana High School, walked with his classmates during the graduation ceremony and accepted his diploma.
Michelle Zuckor wore a purple graduation gown during Thursday’s ceremony. Principal Gary Schwartzwald read a speech she prepared in which she offered congratulations to the class and expressed sorrow that her son could not be there.
“I miss everything about Bryan,” she wrote. “I wish I was sitting there watching Bryan receive his diploma. It has been a really sad week. I feel like it is March 5 over again, the emptiness and sadness I feel.”
Many in the audience of 5,000 stood up and applauded when Bryan Zuckor’s name was read, and his mother stepped forward to accept his diploma.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
