The Covenant School reflects a year after deadly shooting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – On March 27, 2023, six people, including three children, lost their lives in a deadly shooting at The Covenant School in the Green Hills area of Nashville.

The Nashville community will forever remember nine-year-old students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. Plus, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak; custodian Mike Hill; and Dr. Katherine Koonce, head of The Covenant School.

On Wednesday, the school released a statement reflecting on the deadly shooting that occurred a year ago.

The past year has been terribly difficult for our community, and the pain is still very real. Throughout this challenging time, our unwavering commitment has been to prioritize the well-being and healing of our students, families, teachers, and staff.

As we mark this painful anniversary, we find solace in the light that has emerged from the darkness. It is with profound gratitude that we acknowledge the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our local Nashville community and around the world. Your kindness has been a beacon of hope, and the depth of your generosity profoundly moves us.

We continue to see all of the ways in which the Lord is providing for and loving our community. He has been and will continue to be our comfort and strength. 

The Covenant School

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also took to social media to remember the events that changed the community that day, and said the city will continue carry on the victims’ legacies.

I hope today brings the Covenant community and all of Nashville healing as we work through a day that none of us will ever forget. I have been inspired by the love and grace that I’ve seen from the Covenant community over the last year. I’m also encouraged by the common call of so many Nashvillians, one voice united saying we can achieve the safer community we strive for. 

To the Covenant community, I want you to know that the city has its arms wrapped around you, and we are here for you – in ways large or small – in the near-term and long-term. My wish for all of you is a lasting peace. 

Today, I remember Katherine Koonce, Mike Hill, Cynthia Peak, Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs. How we choose to represent the love and kindness that they stood for is the way in which we honor and carry on their legacies. 

Mayor Freddie O’Connell

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also reflected on the events that occurred a year ago, calling it one of the “most tragic and heartbreaking events in the our state’s history.”

One year ago, The Covenant School experienced one of the most tragic and heartbreaking events in our state’s history. 

There are no words adequate enough to describe the immeasurable pain and sorrow on the families. 

Tennessee has been forever changed, and yet our hope is that through that change, along with the prayers of millions, there will be redemption through this great tragedy. 

Maria and I join many Tennesseans in lifting up the Covenant community in prayer. 

Governor Bill Lee

The Covenant School said the Bright Knights Fund has been established to help the school as they continue to move forward. If you would like to donate, click here.