Milan High School student to host community prayer vigil Saturday night in wake of student deaths

By Kyle Feldscher Crime and courts reporter

Posted on Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 10:38 a.m.

In the wake of three student deaths this school year, a Milan High School student will hold a prayer vigil Saturday night in the hope of bringing the community closer together.

Sundai Johnson will lead the prayer vigil at 7 p.m. Saturday under the shelter at Wilson Park, on Wabash Street. Sundai has been working to organize the vigil with the Rev. Dr. Patricia Green of the Marble Memorial United Methodist Church.

Johnson decided to organize the vigil out of concern that the student body, families and friends of the deceased students and the community at large are suffering, Green said in an e-mailed statement. Johnson believes there is a need for the entire community to join together for continuous prayer after the recent deaths of three students, Green said.

Community education student Brian Copaciu, a high school senior, died in October in an incident that was ruled a suicide. The death of high school junior William Bowers in December is still under investigation, although Milan Area Schools superintendent Bryan Girbach has said he has received information that Bowers died accidentally. Eric Harrison, a senior at Milan High School, died in January from what family members said was a suicide.

Community members who plan to attend the vigil are encouraged to dress warmly, as the event will be held outside. The vigil is open to all members of the public.

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