WVSOM students to hold vigil for CT victims - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

LEWISBURG, W. VA (WVVA)-- Students at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine feel connected to the Newtown, Connecticut families who lost loved ones last Friday.

They say one of their own lives in Newtown when the medical school is not in session, and she asked them to do what they can to help her friends back home.

Some of her fellow students heard her plea and decided to have an candlelight vigil to reflect on the tragedy and show their support for the affected families.

"Just to show some support for her and her community would be [the goal]," said Andrew Nackashi, one of the organizers of the event. "It's just going to be the whole community coming out here."

Nackashi said everyone is welcome, and he hopes there's a large turnout.

"We're hoping to have a couple choirs sing, and some people speak," said Elise Anderson, a second-year student helping out with the event. "We need to step back and look at how blessed we are and [show our support.]

For a candle to light at the vigil, Nackashi said they ask for monetary donations. All the money will go to the Sandy Hook Elementary School Victims Relief Fund.

"We all understand what community means, and what family means," said Nackashi. "We want to help."

The vigil will be on the WVSOM campus at the Parade Field on Tuesday at 6 PM.