OXFORD (WWJ) - An outpouring of support, hope and love came flooding into Oxford on Thursday as the school district paused to remember and reflect on the second anniversary of the deadly mass shooting that shattered the quiet Oakland County community.
On Thursday, 30, 2023, officials for Oxford Community Schools closed all district buildings in observance of Wildcat Remembrance Day.
The district will share a moment of silence at 12:51 p.m. and Michiganders are urged to light luminaries or candles at 7 p.m. in remembrance of Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana and Justin Shilling, the four students who were killed in the shooting.
"This day, two years ago, our lives were forever changed," Oxford Community Schools said on social media. "There are so many ongoing ripple effects from the trauma, and we stand together in grief as we heal. We will NEVER forget the four precious lives lost on that day - Hana, Justin, Madisyn, and Tate."
"Thank you to our students, staff, families, first responders, mental health professionals, and the community at large, for supporting and loving one another throughout the unimaginable," the school district said.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said a number of mental health resources offering additional support are available this week at the All for Oxford Resiliency Center.
The is run by Common Groun, a nonprofit, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented agency and that receives funding by that state. It provides free support services for survivors and those affected by the mass school shooting.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a statement in remembrance of the lives taken on Nov. 30, 2021.
“Today, Michiganders come together to remember, grieve, and stand with the people of Oxford," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement.
“We honor the memories of four beautiful young souls. Justin, a kind young man and avid golfer who could make you feel better with his big smile. Madisyn, who brightened any room she walked into and was a proud big sister to her brother who has special needs and special gifts. Tate, a leader on and off the football field, whose work ethic and loyalty to his friends was unmatched. And Hana, a freshman known for her silly sense of humor who loved volleyball and basketball.
“These four extraordinary young Michiganders were taken from us too soon. Many were wounded and still bear scars—seen and unseen—from that day. It’s not fair. Michigan will always keep Oxford in our hearts. We have faced a lot of tough times, and the way we got through any of them was by sticking together. After the shooting, we held each other close. We cried together. We had each other’s backs. We need to remember that now more than ever.
“Michigan sends its love. Let us continue honoring the memories of those we have lost with action to protect our children, our families, and our communities.”
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist also provided a statement on Thursday:
“As we mark two years since the heartbreak and shock of the tragedy in Oxford, we are committed to honoring the memories of Hana, Tate, Madisyn, and Justin and supporting the Oxford community. My family, and the entire state of Michigan, continues to send our love and prayers to everyone impacted by this terrible event. Out of our grief comes our resolve to support each other and keep our families and communities safe. Let us continue working to ensure no Michigander must fear gun violence.”
The shooting not only killed four students, but also injured seven others, including a teacher. The victim's families have filed lawsuits over the tragic events as they search for answers and an apology following a special investigation that revealed many school administrators and other staff made critical errors before the shooting.
His parents are currently awaiting trial after each were charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for their alleged roles. Prosecutors claim the parents provided their son with easy access to a firearm and ignored alarming signs prior to the shooting.