Classroom of Compassion at Apalachee High School

Support Our Efforts to Honor the Victims of the Apalachee High School Tragedy

Classroom of Compassion, a volunteer-led Los Angeles-based nonprofit, is dedicated to creating four public altars to honor the victims of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Barrow County, Georgia, on September 4th, 2024.

The victims, as reported, include two students and two teachers.

Mason Schermerhorn, 14

Schermerhorn, who had autism, was one of four people killed, his mother confirmed to Channel 2 Action News. Family members had circulated the 14-year-old’s photo on social media after they couldn’t reach him after the shooting.

“If he is escalated, PLEASE use a calm voice with him,” family members wrote on social media. “Let him know his mom is looking for him for reassurance.”

Christian Angulo, 14

Freshman Christian Angulo was remembered by friends as a free spirit who loved to make others laugh. The 14-year-old was described as having a "chill" attitude, but was full of life and energy.

Richard Aspinwall, 39

Richard "Ricky" Aspinwall was a math teacher and assistant football coach for the Apalachee Wildcats.

"It's just so hard to think that somebody that you spent so much time with, because this is my second year with coach, but spending so much time, like family basically," said sophomore football player, Isaiah Hooks. "So, turning around, knowing that he's not going to be there."

Christina Irimie, 53

Christina Irmie was part of the math department at Apalachee High School.

Students described the 53-year-old teacher as patient and caring.

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We are seeking to raise $4,000 to cover the costs of resources, supplies, and travel. Our organization will be traveling from Los Angeles to Georgia and spending an entire week with the grieving community of Barrow County. These funds will allow for airfare, hotel, rental car, flowers, food, and on-site memorial art supplies,

Your donation will directly contribute to the emotional well-being of the Georgia and Apalachee High School communities, helping to shift the focus to remembrance, unity, and support.

In addition, we will be setting up a pop-up space on-site, inspired by our previous work in Uvalde, TX; Highland Park, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Monterey Park, CA; and Las Vegas, NV. This space will allow individuals to create and leave small floral offerings, write notes, or produce drawings and paintings as part of a growing community memorial. Our aim is to provide art resources that facilitate healthy and safe expression of profound emotions.

Your support will help us honor the victims and provide a meaningful outlet for the community to come together in their healing process.

Thank you for your generosity and support.