ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A “candlelight rally” for Hannah Graham that was originally supposed to take place on the softball field at West Potomac High School in Alexandria Wednesday night, was moved indoors because of rain. But it still drew a crowd that filled the cafeteria of the school that Graham graduated from in 2013.
“The common theme this past week has been hope, and hope is the one thing that we hold on to in this difficult time,” said Student Athletics Director Aaron Helmick.
“Whether or not you knew her personally, know that she isn’t just a name you hear on the news. She’s an avid Disney enthusiast, a lover of Elvis, and one of the most talented people you’ll ever come across in your entire life,” said senior Jayne Orleans. “Hannah never forgot to put others before herself, and that’s why everyone loved her so much, and also why all of us are here tonight.”
“Hannah, we love you so much. Please come home,” pleaded another senior, Torie Bolger, her voice breaking.
“I have hope that Hannah’s going to be home … before Homecoming, and she can come and conduct the band. That’s what I’m hoping for,” said band director Steve Rice, who led the band in a rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” during the rally.
Stretch bracelets with Graham’s initials and softball number, along with her favorite Starburst candies, were handed out to those who came. The lights were turned off for a moment of silence, and people were asked to hold up “virtual” candles downloaded onto their cellphones.
News of the arrest in Graham’s missing-person case came right before the start of the rally, and when it was repeated during the event, the crowd applauded.
Tamara Warren, a sophomore at Northern Virginia Community College, says she grew up on the softball field with Graham as rather a teammate or an opponent.
“All we can hope for is that he confesses everything he knows, where she is, what happened, and the best outcome possible happens too. That she comes home safe,” Warren said.
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