ECHS Helping Students Cope With Tragic Loss Of Classmate

Additional Counselors Brought In For Student Needs, Volunteer Prayer Also Scheduled

EV file photo of Principal Tommy Hodges.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Most Edmonson County students are still in shock after learning that one of their classmates, sixteen year-old Christian Goodroe, a junior, was killed in a single vehicle accident last night on KY HWY 70, and today's school day focused around support and care, according to Principal Tommy Hodges.

"Since we're part of the GRREC Region, (or the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative), we partner with them with more counselors to put an emergency or a disaster plan in place," he said. "We've had that in addition to our own ECHS counselors as well as our counselors from other district schools."

Hodges said that plan began last night and everyone has focused their attention on helping each other. School work was put on the back burner for today as Edmonson County School Board members were also available at ECHS today, offering additional help.

"Christian was a good young man," said Hodges. "He was very involved in our vocational program and welding. This has been a difficult day."

He also said that part of honoring Christian was allowing students to share memorable or funny stories involving him and allowing students and staff to be there for each other.

"We've got a great group of people that come together when a tragedy like this happens. We've seen our students be there for one another, they're reaching out to the family to help them in any way they can, and there have been other students stepping up. Maybe some students that didn't know Christian are helping other students that are in need."

He also said that the school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes officers have organized a volunteer prayer at the school flagpole tomorrow morning at 7:35am for anyone wishing to attend.

"That was very touching," he added. "It's just one reason that we're all part of an extended family here at Edmonson County High School."

**NOTE: We have been contacted by Patton Funeral Home, who is in charge of arrangements. Those arrangements have not yet been finalized but they will notify us immediately when they become available. They ask for your patience as they work with the family to finalize all arrangements. We will update the public with the obituary as soon as it becomes available.