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Vol. 30, No. 17 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | August 28, 2013
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Shooting victim tells her story Rachel Waldron is unstoppable — even with a bullet in her head By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
R
achel Waldron is like any college freshman — full of excitement at the opportunities continuing her education will bring. Unlike her fellow students, though, she faced the uncertainty of life about a year ago. In addition to a full schedule of classes, books and all the items associated with being a college student, Rachel brings with her a bullet, which is lodged in her head. On Sept. 2, 2012, Rachel was shot in what remains an unsolved crime in Henrico County. Joined by her parents, Dan and Shellie Waldron; Grace Gormanlove, the friend who was with her that fateful night; and Grace’s mother, Katy Gorman; Rachel Photo submitted by Linda M. Scarborough
Christina Saunders, a reading specialist at John M. Gandy Elementary School, has been honored as the 2014 Teacher of the Year for Hanover County Public Schools. She recently was recognized with a reception at her school.
recently decided to go public with her identity and the story of her life in the following months since the shooting. Gone is the long blonde hair Rachel had in her senior year portrait at Hanover High School. She now sports a cute short hairstyle. What most don’t know is that her blonde hair covers a lengthy scar down the back of her head. Dan shows images of the scar, as well as an x-ray with a very visible bullet in her brain. After some debate, Rachel opted not to share these photos. She is positive and optimistic and, most of all, a young woman of faith.
The night
just like any other high school seniors last year. They were enjoying the social aspects of spending time with friends and just “hanging out.” That was the plan when they left their homes the evening of Sept. 1, 2012. They were going to “a gathering,” Rachel said, “not a party.” When they arrived around 10 p.m. at the private residence in a suburban west end neighborhood, about 12 or 15 teens were there. A couple of hours later, Dan said, “The climate changed when uninvited people started showing up. The girls had the sense of urgency to get out of there, to leave.” ‘It was just a gut feeling,” Rachel said
Rachel and Grace Gormanlove were
Photo courtesy of Rachel Waldron
Rachel Waldron, left, recently decided it was time to tell her story, recalling the events of the night of Sept. 1, 2012, when she was shot leaving a gathering of friends in a west end neighborhood in Henrico County. Her friend Grace Gormanlove was instrumental in getting help for the then-high school senior see SHOOTING, pg. 4 who had been shot in the head.
Reading specialist named county’s top teacher Christina Saunders, a reading specialist at John M. Gandy Elementary School, has been named the 2014 Hanover County Teacher of the Year. A reception recently was
held in her honor at the school. She also will be recognized at an upcoming Hanover County School Board meeting. “Education needs to be meaningful and interesting to
students. Knowing your students me to draw upon all of my eduand taking the time to learn cational beliefs,” she added. what motivates them goes a long Saunders received a Bachelor way in learning,” Saunders said. of Science degree from the “Helping students develop readsee TEACHER, pg. 4 ing proficiency definitely allows
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