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Community members and some of Abby Zwerner’s former colleagues played basketball to show support for the school before students returned to class on Monday.<\/p>\n
NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia \u2014 In Newport News, the community rallies in support of families and Richneck Elementary School staff three weeks after police announced a 6-year-old boy shot a first-grade teacher . <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
The Christopher Newport University men’s basketball team dedicated their game against Salisbury University to Richneck. It’s the team’s first home game since the shooting.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
The Freeman Center stadium was packed with fans on Saturday. Some are CNU-colored, but many are green in honor of Richneck Elementary’s school colors.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Some fans purchased t-shirts advertising the words “Richneck Strong”, with all proceeds going to Abby Zwerner.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Captain’s coach John Krikorian came up with the idea. He said the shooting at Richneck Elementary School “happened close to home.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
He wasn’t the only one affected by the tragedy.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
“I was blown away when I first heard it,” Troy Latch said during Saturday’s game.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Latuch was Principal of Richneck Elementary School from 2015 to 2021. He said he hired Zwerner to head the Hilton Elementary of Newport News before leaving school.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
“I really enjoyed her personality and the way she carried herself. I thought she would be a good fit for Richneck or Newport News Public Schools,” Ratouch said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew called Abby Zwarner a hero. Even after the shooting, Zwerner got his students to safety, he said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
The behavior of the 25-year-old teacher that day should come as no surprise to those who worked with her.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
“I would have expected her to act that way, absolutely. I think most teachers would have acted that way. I was very proud,” said Latuch.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
“She was the kind of selfless person who wanted to help her children first and foremost,” said Karen Jarvis.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Jarvis said he filled in as a stand-in for Zwerner’s class many times. She had nothing but kind words to describe her.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
“I was very passionate and always wanted the best for my children,” Jarvis said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
After nearly a month of hiatus, students return to class on Monday.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
The transition may be difficult, but one thing is certain. It means they have a community behind them.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
“I hope that over time they will heal and return to the great vibe that Richneck had in the beginning,” Jarvis said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n