SANTEE — Twenty-five years after a gunman opened fire on the Santana High School campus and killed two students, the Santee community came together Saturday at Santee Lakes to honor those lost and stand with those still carrying the weight of that day.

The gathering drew family members, friends, and community supporters who expressed their grief through tearful embraces, shared memories, and the release of gold and purple balloons into the sky.

The shooting, which took place on March 5, 2001, claimed the lives of 17-year-old Randy Gordon and 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor. Thirteen others were wounded when a 15-year-old opened fire on campus before being subdued.

Mari Gordon-Rayborn, Randy Gordon's mother, attended the commemorative event and spoke plainly about the grief that has never fully faded. "What happened destroyed my family, completely destroyed my family. It was never the same — your life starts and stops that day," she said. Despite that pain, she expressed gratitude: "I'm grateful that I had the time I had with my son."

Randy's cousin, Erin Kerchner, wore a white T-shirt bearing Randy's photo with the words "GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN REST IN HEAVEN." He remembered Randy as smart, funny, and full of potential — someone who aspired to serve as a Navy Intelligence Officer.

Former Santana student Rachel Maurice, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, described the lasting toll of the trauma. "25 years later, a lot of us still continue to struggle every day, especially around the anniversary," she said. "A lot of us still struggle with PTSD."

The vigil also served as a rallying point for community advocacy. Attendees are pushing for passage of AB1959, state legislation aimed at preventing early release of the shooter, Charles Andrew Williams, who was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Williams remains incarcerated while the San Diego County District Attorney's office continues to appeal a resentencing decision. His next parole hearing is scheduled for 2027.