CHI walk with Virginia Tech Remembrance

Last night, CHI moved with a special purpose across the Colonnades walkway. CHI is a secret society on campus which maintains and promotes the spirit of Longwood. They failed to pass out CHI droppings, but realized the significance of that the spirit of Longwood must be put on the backburner because last night, April 16, symbolized the first year of remembrance of the tragedy that happened the Virginia Tech.

The walk brought a humbling effect to the crowd the watched eagerly as the unknown and hooded students came walking through. The signs that were posted in Dorrill Dining Hall and on Joanie on the Stonie both clearly stated that there would be no droppings handed out. Droppings are the "all important" collectibles that students collect giving them a 'piece' of Longwood spirit. They are very rare to come by and even with the prior announcement that they would not be handing out droppings, there was still a rather large turnout despite the cold weather.

During the walk, CHI members who normally wear blue robes with a white shaw and a blue Rotunda decided to sport a different look for the occasion of the night. The Hokie orange was shown and a maroon Rotunda instead of the usual blue.

During the middle of the walk, the CHI train stopped just before Joanie on a Ponie to announce that they wanted a moment of silence to remember those who's lives were lost and affected by the events that happened exactly one year ago. Some people embraced others, some held hands, and many others stood and kept to themselves thinking of those who were affected by the events. It is not something that will ever go away and Virginia Tech has left a lasting affect on the entire nation. Campuses nation wide had services, vigils or remembrances to honor those who had fallen. Virginia Tech has widely affected schools in other ways as well in attempts to change the campus safety policies.

CHI appeared to not want the distraction of droppings to prevent those in attendance from getting the message that the walk last night was solely Longwood's spirit recognizing Virginia Tech and all that the school has been through. Hopefully the group will continue to recognize the most important things in life and continue to put that first and foremost above all aspects of life.