Troutdale, Ore. — Dianne Van Arsdall wore a broad smile as she snapped photos of her family outside the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, where Reynolds High School graduates prepared to receive their diplomas just two days after a deadly shooting at the Troutdale school.
“I don’t feel guilty for being happy,” she said. “I’m proud of my granddaughter, and I’m thankful we’re all here and safe. It could have happened to any family.”
Earlier this week 15-year-old Jared Padgett shot and killed himself and fellow freshman Emilio Hoffman, 14, at the Troutdale high school.
Van Arsdall said it’s been a “bittersweet week.” Bob Clark, who was celebrating his oldest son’s graduation, said there has been a “shadow” over the past couple of days. Walking into the coliseum felt more like “going to a memorial” than to a graduation, he said.
