Bailey
A year after the shooting death of 16-year-old Emily Keyes, it’s evident that residents, and even strangers from afar, are bonding like never before.
Keyes, a junior at Platte Canyon High School, was killed by a deranged gunman inside a classroom Sept. 27, 2006.
Her parents, John Michael Keyes and Ellen Stoddard-Keyes, and her twin brother, Casey, are deeply involved in anniversary events this week, including fundraisers for specific nonprofit groups.
“The biggest thing, I think, has been the Keyeses and the way they reacted to it,” said John Tighe, a Park County commissioner and longtime resident who represents the Bailey area. “They have really helped this community in healing.”
Tighe experienced the 2000 Hi Meadow fire and the 2002 Snaking fire, which destroyed a combined 13,000 acres in the Bailey area and rallied neighbors to work together
“We have a great community, and it really comes together in times of need,” Tighe said. “Now, we all want to do as much as we possibly can for what has happened here. It hit a nerve. I think it is going to continue for a very long time.”
Casey Keyes will join members of the Jefferson County Regional SWAT team in a 38-mile relay run, “Emily’s Run,” from the Sheriff’s Office in Golden to the high school in Bailey on Saturday.
A high school cross-country runner, Casey said he’s excited about joining the officers who did their best to try to save Emily.
“I’m proud to run with the SWAT guys,” he said.
Cross country has been cathartic for Casey, and he’s looking forward to running on what’s sure to be an emotional day.
“I think it’s going to be good mentally – to get to work through things,” he said. “It will make me feel better.”
Sgt. A.J. DeAndrea, a SWAT team leader, helped hatch the idea of the run.
“The importance of this run is to honor Emily,” DeAndrea said. “It’s to honor the Keyes family, who have very much become part of our SWAT family.”
The run is a fundraiser for the “I Love U Guys” Foundation, formed by Emily’s parents and friends. It takes its name from a final text message Emily sent to her parents as she was held hostage.
Last year a motorcycle rally, “Emily’s Ride,” from Columbine High School to Platte Canyon High School, raised $70,000 to benefit the six girls who survived the siege. As many as 7,000 riders were estimated to have taken part.
This year’s run, ride and other events will benefit three nonprofits: Colorado UpLift, which helps urban high school students improve grades; Bridges to Peace, which helps youths and adults embrace violence prevention and community activism, among other elements; and Step 13, which aids street people and the homeless.
“These are the groups we are focusing on this year,” John Michael Keyes said.
This year there will be a combination of events Thursday, the actual anniversary, and Saturday.
“We may have chaos in Bailey, but it will be grand,” John Michael Keyes said.
Ellen Stoddard-Keyes said her spirits are buoyed by raising funds for this year’s nonprofits.
“I think it’s a cool thing,” she said. “We chose our beneficiaries well.”
The Keyeses said they think Emily would be proud of their efforts and “directing” much of the work.
“People need to remember and focus on the message” of Emily and the foundation, Casey said. “We can make the world a better place.”
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson can be reached at 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
Platte Canyon, one year later
Events surrounding the anniversary of the Sept. 27, 2006, tragedy at Platte Canyon High School, in which student Emily Keyes was killed:
Thursday
High School students will not have classes at Platte Canyon but will instead attend a special program at the Farmers Union.
“Bailey United,” a family-oriented community event, will be held at the Farmers Union from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and include a barbecue, bonfire, music and a candlelight tribute.
Saturday
Emily’s Ride, a motorcycle rally fundraiser from Columbine High School to Platte Canyon High School.
Gather in the south parking lot of Columbine High School, 6201 S. Pierce St., and plan to leave for Platte Canyon at 11 a.m.
Emily’s Run, a Jefferson County Regional SWAT Team relay run and fundraiser from Golden to Platte Canyon High School. SWAT team runners will take off from the parking lot of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, 200 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, at sunrise. Runners will parallel C-470 to U.S. 285 to Platte Canyon High School.
