The recent shooting at Evergreen High School has left a lasting impact not only on the Evergreen community but also on schools across Colorado. On September 10, 2025, a 16-year-old student named Desmond Holly shot two classmates before turning the gun on himself. Holly later died from his injuries, while the two students he shot remain hospitalized, one in critical condition. This shocking event has compelled schools, students, parents, and teachers to reassess their approach to safety and mental health in the educational setting.
At Evergreen High School, the return to classes has not been immediate. Instead, the school is using a phased plan to give students and staff time to heal. Half-day sessions and additional counseling sessions are part of this strategy. Counselors are being made available not just for students, but for parents and staff as well, since the trauma of a school shooting often affects the entire community. These steps show how important it is to care for mental health after a violent event. The shooting has also raised serious questions about security. At the time of the attack, Evergreen did not have a full-time school resource officer on campus, which has worried many parents. Now, schools in Jefferson County and beyond are reviewing their use of officers, security staff, and emergency plans. For many, this tragedy has served as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for increased protection of students during the school day. EHS Counselor, Kelly Kochevar said, “ Grief is its own beast, trying to deal with those emotions and mental status is such a hard thing to do by yourself, so we will always be there to help because you can’t do it by yourself. It is taking a whole community and beyond to help with the tragic events that took place, but it’s also showing us as counselors what we need to be ready for if it happens to local schools near us.”
The effects of the shooting have spread beyond Evergreen. Brienna Stephanus, an EHS counselor, said, “It’s like a ripple effect; those who were directly affected are the biggest priority for checking up on them, but all we have to think about is who else was affected indirectly.” At Thompson Valley High School, students organized a walkout to demand safer schools and to call attention to the problem of gun violence. However, their protest also led to new threats, which forced schools to increase security and monitoring. Across Colorado, students are speaking out, and school leaders are rethinking safety measures, showing how one event can influence many communities at once.
Investigators are still trying to understand why Holly carried out the shooting. Reports suggest he was influenced by violent and extremist content online. Authorities are also looking into how he got the revolver, since he was too young to legally purchase it. These details are sparking new debates about internet safety, gun laws, and how to support teenagers before problems turn dangerous. Sophomore Emilee Olinger said, “ I trust our school more than I would trust others. Our community is so strong, and we are all a family. But, we also never know what can happen and what is happening in others’ lives, so, yeah, I’ve been scared about it and it’s been in the back of my mind. But I am always kind to everyone because you never know what they are going through.”
Ultimately, the Evergreen shooting has reshaped views on school safety, highlighting that protecting students involves both physical security and supporting their mental health. The tragedy underscores the need for ongoing focus on both safety and well-being in schools.
