Photos of the Day: Emily's Parade counters tragic school shooting with message of love

In September 2006, a gunman took several students hostage at Platte Canyon High School -- among them Emily Keyes, who texted "I love you guys" to her family shortly before she was killed. In the years since then, Emily's Parade, a motorcycle rally and gathering to benefit the I Love...

By Michael Roberts

October 1, 2013

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In September 2006, a gunman took several students hostage at Platte Canyon High School -- among them Emily Keyes, who texted "I love you guys" to her family shortly before she was killed. In the years since then, Emily's Parade, a motorcycle rally and gathering to benefit the I Love You Foundation, an organization started by John-Michael Keyes, Emily's father, in her honor, has only grown in size and passion. Look below to see photos of Sunday's event, in which motorcyclists rode from Columbine High School (scene of the 1999 school shooting that shocked the nation) to PCHS, where participants gathered on a gorgeous day to remember a beautiful spirit. Continue to see more photos of Emily's Parade. Continue to see more photos of Emily's Parade.

More from our Media archive circa September 2006: "More Messages: Back to School."

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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