Hundreds gather for vigil at YSU

One student hopes the vigil strengthens her prayers.
By PAUL WHEATLEY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Hundreds of people, most of them Youngstown State University students, gathered Thursday night for a candlelight vigil despite bone-chilling rain.
Sponsored by YSU student government, the event was supposed to be an outdoor affair, but was moved inside to the Christman Commons -- a cafeteria area situated near dormitories -- because of uncooperative weather.
Rain didn't dampen the mood of students, who said they attended to show their support for people in New York and Washington, D.C., and for those who lost loved ones after Tuesday's terrorist attacks there.
"I think it's a good way to bring everybody together," said student Brent Code, 20, who compared bringing together a college campus to bringing together the world.
Religious leaders led the crowd through prayers before lighting candles.
Organizers were shocked by the turnout. Candles and holders were distributed to the crowd by student government members. Black ribbons were also distributed in remembrance of the victims.
Students' thoughts: "I'm really proud of America," one student leader said to the crowd. "Especially this part of America for coming here tonight despite the rain."
Nine students from the 4-East floor of Lyden Hall attended. Abbey Beach, 19, a freshman on the floor, said the gathering gave her hope that things will get better.
"It still feels like a dream, that none of this is going on, and every channel we turn on feels like a movie," she said.
Beach's floormate, Leigh Donatella, 18, said she thought the vigil would help her prayers be heard.
Their other floor mate, Lindsey Willman, 18, simply found value in gathering so many different people together despite their differences.
"We have to come together and be a community," she said.
wheatley@vindy.com