Santa Fe, TX – May 18, 2024 – Six years have passed since eight students and two educators tragically lost their lives during the Santa Fe High School shooting on May 18, 2018. The community has remained dedicated to honoring the memory of those lost in the tragedy – and making sure future generations do as well. This weekend at their annual 5K event, which takes place on the anniversary of the tragedy, the Santa Fe Ten Memorial Foundation will reveal the design of a long-awaited memorial, commemorating the victims and honoring the survivors.

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Since 2021, the annual 5K has raised funds for the construction of a memorial; this year’s event will be unique in that attendees will get to see the design and witness how their involvement and support will make a lasting impact. The design, which was approved by the Santa Fe ISD Board of Trustees on May 13th, builds upon an original concept created by the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design graduate students through a collaborative effort of the victims’ family members, Santa Fe community stakeholders, PBK (architect) and Edgeland Group (landscape). The reveal will take place at 7:30 am during Opening Ceremonies.

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“Completing a permanent place of tribute is part of the recovery process, and, although a long undertaking, necessary to ensure the victims are given the respect they deserve. With positive purpose and steadfast intention, our commitment to honoring their legacy and support of impacted individuals in the aftermath of tragedy is unwavering,” stated Megan Grove, Chair of the Santa Fe Ten Memorial Foundation. “We are eternally grateful for the expertise and time that PBK and Edgeland have contributed to the development of the Memorial and are proud to partner with them as we reach another milestone on our path of remembrance,” she said.

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The Memorial features multiple symbols and tributes to the victims and Santa Fe community. The Sacred Space is the heart and soul of the Memorial with a monument and uniquely shaped feather to represent each of the victims. A significant symbol of resilience that will be included is a 9/11 Survivor Tree seedling, derived from the famous Survivor Tree at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, which serves as a testament to the strength and unity of communities in the face of adversity. Santa Fe High School students and alumni recently selected seedling #904 on a special virtual tour of the nursery conducted by FFA students at John Bowne High School in Queens, NY where the seedlings are cultivated and will soon be arriving in Texas.

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Landscape architect Austin Taphorn, who played an integral role in shaping the Memorial's design with incorporation of outdoor educational areas to inspire learning and promote healing through a nature- based plan, shared, "The design of the memorial seeks to create a space of solace and reflection, honoring the memories of the lives lost while fostering a sense of hope and resilience for the future."

Dr. Kevin Bott, Santa Fe ISD Superintendent of Schools, said, “While nothing will ever fill the void left by the ten individuals who lost their lives that day, it is important that we honor their memory by remembering their lives and telling their stories. Their memory will be a driving force in uniting our community for good. The way in which this effort is being recognized not only locally, but on a national scale is a testament to the profound importance and impact of each of their lives."