The Apalachee High School community in Winder, Georgia, is reeling after a devastating mass shooting on Wednesday claimed the lives of two students and two teachers. Among the victims were 14-year-olds Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, along with math teachers Christina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39. The shooting, which left nine others injured, has plunged the community into mourning and renewed calls for action in a nation grappling with persistent gun violence.

Christina Irimie: A Teacher Who Inspired Joy

Christina Irimie was known not only for her passion for math but also for her infectious joy and love of laughter. Her students and friends fondly remember her quirky jokes and the warm atmosphere she created in her classroom. Isaac Sanguma, a student who struggled with math, recalled how Irimie never made him feel inadequate, even when he got answers wrong. “She never made me feel dumb. She will make you feel welcome,” Sanguma told CBS Mornings.

Irimie was deeply rooted in her local Romanian community, where she was admired for her dedication to education and her unwavering faith. Father Nicolae Clempus, the pastor at St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church in Dacula, Georgia, where Irimie attended, spoke of her commitment to her students and her love for teaching. “She was always happy and joyful. It was a pleasure standing close to her,” Clempus said, adding, “For our community, she is a hero.”

Irimie, who moved to the U.S. in 2001, also shared her cultural heritage, teaching Romanian dance to children in her community. Her loss is being felt deeply, not just by her family but by everyone whose lives she touched. “We are very sorry that we lost a good soul,” Clempus said.

Richard Aspinwall: A Dedicated Coach and Teacher

Richard Aspinwall, affectionately known as Coach A, was a math teacher and assistant football coach who was loved by his students and respected by his peers. Known for his kindness and dedication, Aspinwall was remembered for always pushing his students to succeed. “He was just really sweet,” said sophomore Ariel Bowling, who was one of his students.

Aspinwall served as the defensive coordinator for the Apalachee Wildcats football team, where his impact extended far beyond the classroom. His former coaching colleague, Jason Turner, described him as a hero, saying, “Coach A is a hero to his sweet wife, Shayna, and those two precious little girls.”

The football community is mourning the loss of a beloved coach. The Apalachee Wildcats football program shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “To our beloved defensive coordinator Ricky Aspinwall, we will carry you heavy in our hearts. We love you Coach A!!!” A GoFundMe campaign for Aspinwall’s family has already raised more than $200,000.

Before joining Apalachee High, Aspinwall taught and coached at Mountain View High School, where his former team also paid tribute. “Coach Aspinwall was a leader of men, and a man you want to coach your kid,” the school posted on X.

Christian Angulo: A Sweet and Caring Boy

Christian Angulo, just 14 years old, was remembered by his older sister, Lisette, as a “very good kid” who was kind-hearted and loved by many. In a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his funeral, Lisette wrote, “We are truly heartbroken. He really didn’t deserve this.”

Christian’s sudden and tragic loss has left his family and friends devastated, with many remembering his sweet and caring nature nature. A photo accompanying the GoFundMe page shows Christian smiling with a cake on his 14th birthday, a heartbreaking reminder of the life he had just begun to live.

Mason Schermerhorn: A Promising Young Life

Mason Schermerhorn, also 14, was a student at Apalachee High School. Though less is known publicly about Mason, the loss of such a young life has deeply impacted his community. Both Mason and Christian were described as bright students with promising futures.

A Community in Grief

The tragedy has left the Apalachee High School community struggling to make sense of the senseless violence. As teachers, students, and families come together to mourn, the words of those who knew the victims best serve as a reminder of their impact. Apalachee teacher Stephen Kreyenbuhl summed up the feelings of many when he said, “They made a difference. They were there for their students each and every day, and it’s going to be very, very hard to move forward from that.”

This shooting is yet another painful chapter in the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in the United States. While the investigation into the motive behind the attack continues, the Apalachee High School community is left to mourn the lives taken too soon and to remember the legacies of those lost.

Credit: CNN