Students Created Angel Wings Honoring Shooting Victims
Ralph Cadwallader Middle School students crafted art to honor those lost in the 2017 Las Vegas tragedy.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Should schools use art projects to help students learn about historical community tragedies?
Students at Ralph Cadwallader Middle School have designed handmade angel wings to honor the 58 victims of the October 1, 2017, shooting on the Las Vegas Strip. This initiative ensures the legacies of the victims are remembered through personalized art projects.
Why it matters
The project serves as a tool to teach students empathy while preserving the memories of the victims for future generations. By researching individual lives, participants form a lasting connection to the historical tragedy that impacted their community.
The project honors 58 individuals killed in the 2017 shooting. Eighth-grade students dedicate a full month to researching each victim's hometown, favorite colors, and family history before crafting the wings.
The players
Francisco Eclarin
He is an art teacher who co-created the 58 Angel Wings Project to help students process the city's tragedy.
Christine Janette
She is a retired teacher who collaborated with Francisco Eclarin to launch the memorial art project in 2018.
Mynda Smith
She serves as a liaison between the school and families to ensure accurate information about victims is used in the wing designs.
The details
Art teacher Francisco Eclarin and retired teacher Christine Janette launched the 58 Angel Wings Project in 2018. Mynda Smith supports the effort by facilitating the collection of biographical information from the victims' families, which students then incorporate into their creative designs.
Timeline
October 1, 2017: The Las Vegas Strip shooting occurred.
2018: The 58 Angel Wings Project was created.
September 30, 2026: The exhibition occurs from 6 to 7 p.m.
October 1, 2027: The Forever One Memorial is expected to open.
Culture Shift
This project represents a movement toward youth-led memorialization that prioritizes personal narratives over traditional stone monuments. It parallels efforts seen in the development of the Forever One Memorial, marking a shift in how Las Vegas communities process public grief.
The school will host an exhibition of the student-made wings on Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend to view the memorial work and support the students' efforts to honor the victims.
The takeaway
Engaging youth in memorial projects fosters a deeper understanding of community history and collective empathy. Students and families can implement similar research-based tributes to turn abstract history into meaningful, personal lessons.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Sun.
Live Poll
Should schools use art projects to help students learn about historical community tragedies?
