Oregon Public Broadcasting

Ten days after a car accident that killed four Ridgefield High School students,  the Washington community came together for a memorial service. Barbara Leidl reports.

About 1000 people in the football stadium fell silent as Principal Tony VanderMaas asked them to think about Aja Gerrity, Amanda Williams, Jason Carter and Ritchie Araiza.

Then their friends and pastors spoke about how the teenagers inspired them.

Principal VanderMaas pointed out the community has grown closer because of the tragic accident.

Tony VanderMaas: "May we be a stronger community, a family that supports each other, excelling to be the best people possible with passion and understanding of our purpose and how we can help each other following the examples of those four."

At the end of the service, Vandermass asked people to come down to the football-field and form an enormous community circle, holding hands.