Why we moved to a small mountain town

Written By Mark Poshak

That Day

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025 we got a phone call we never wanted to hear. An active shooter at our little local high school, mere yards away from the elementary school where three of my four children attend. The lockdown, the high school kids flooding into the elementary school for safety, the police officers in uniform clearing the building, were a lot to take in for our littles. Yet, our kids did not experience anything as bad as our poor high school students and staff. Amidst the chaos of the next few hours, we discovered the horror of a shooting in our little hometown but also found the resilience and courage of our little small town.

Our kids are safe, a bit scared, but made it home that day forever changed. We have held our kids and community tight as we wrestle with questions for which there are no real answers.

Moving to the Mountains

Someone already asked us the question: you moved to this quiet mountain town to get away from scary situations like this. Truth is, this could have happened (and has and does, unfortunately) anywhere. But if we have to experience something like this, I would rather do it with this community than anywhere else.

The story is, of course, about the horrid event, mental health, guns and schools. But the real stories, the ones that give us hope and the ones that keep us here, are the little ones lost in the blur.

Stories of Hope

  • When we got word of the situation, our neighbor called immediately and said “I’m right by the school I will get your kids”. I have not been more thankful for much than to get my kids that soon and to have them safe with a friend and then safe at home.

  • The school staff were incredible the entire day. From text and voicemail updates, to loving kids at the school, they were calm and strong in the midst of utter chaos.

  • The cafeteria staff member who normally is scooping mac ‘n cheese had to usher in students from lunch and hide them in a locked food storage closet. A literal hero

  • The random parent who showed up at the school and stood guard at the front doors to ensure no one would get in.

  • The adults who were home at the time that opened up their doors to fleeing high school kids, fed them, kept them safe and got them home.

  • The art teacher who consoled our crying son after getting out of the storage closet, then sent us an email that night to check in (even after consoling her own child!).

  • The school staff who had to clean up the cafeteria after kids had to leave their lunches at the tables.

  • The police and sheriff departments who were immediately and so valiantly on the scene, saving us from infinitely worse trauma.

  • The countless friends who texted about rides and safety to ensure everyone was accounted for.

  • The patience and care of the middle school staff who one-by-one released middle school students to the correct parent. And the parents who trusted their kids with a staff who did their best.

  • The therapy dogs and owners who showed up at our school event and the first day back to be a calming influence on kids (and adults!)

  • The community who organized a community-wide gathering the day after the event for families to be together. There was also a “chalk affirmation” event, a free pancake breakfast, and other local gatherings all organized by local residents wanting to help.

  • The countless amount of mental health professionals who showed up at school and community events to offer free counseling and support.

  • On the first day back to school after the event, I volunteered to be with the kids on recess so they would feel safe outside. When I arrived, the entire fire department was there standing watch.

  • The Center for the Arts Evergreen hosted a craft day for kids to make hearts for the school staff and first responders.

  • Sports coaches held pick-up games and kick-arounds just for kids to be together despite games being cancelled for the weekend.

  • Local businesses feeding kids and teachers for free and offering free activities in their spaces for people to gather.

  • All the school staff that met with parents and welcomed kids back into the building to ensure they continue to feel safe and loved in a place that should be just that.

Our town has come together like none I’ve ever seen. We have not given in and we’re only getting started.

Why did we move to a small mountain town? This is why. #EvergreenStrong

Community Support

A few company names that have provided support, food, shelter, and more:

  • Blue Spruce Chocolates made more than 400 chocolates for teachers

  • Buffalo Mountain Apparel starting making #EvergreenStrong t-shirts immediately

  • Line Dance Evergreen provided free line dancing lessons to anyone in the community

  • The Wildflower Cafe provided free pancakes for high school students

  • The Lazy Butcher provided free burgers for high school students

  • The Evergreen Players Studio provided a safe space for kids to come and create arts, crafts, listen to music, etc.

  • Elevated Wellness provided free massages

  • Eudaimonia opened up their ninja warrior gym for free when students didn’t have school

  • Blizzard Mountain Pinball opened up their doors with free pinball

  • A local resident provided a free yoga class at the Evergreen Lake

  • Studio B in Evergreen provided free yoga classes

  • Many organizations donated food or supplies for gift bags for the families and staff most impacted: Murphy’s Grill, Kiki’s, Muddy Buck, Slife’s, The Woodcellar, Cactus Jack’s, Jimmy John’s, Evergreen Crafters, Evergreen Clothing Company, The Cow, Moonga Sushi, Sweet Water Boutique, Safeway, King Soopers, Village Gourmet, The Bagelry, Alpine Bakery, Little Bear.

Ways to receive support

Ways to provide support

Mark Poshak
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