Patrick Henry High School honors victims of gun violence at graduation

ROANOKE, Va. – Patrick Henry High School is celebrating the Class of 2023.

Hundreds of students walked across the stage at the Berglund Center Thursday morning, but this year’s graduation ceremony also honored two victims of gun violence.

Loved ones accepted a diploma for Christian Lambert, a 17-year-old shot and killed in an apparent murder-suicide at the McAfee Knob trailhead in May.

16-year-old Jaquice Kearney was also recognized. He was gunned down in a gang-related shooting near 30th Street and Salem Turnpike in 2021.