Cadwallader Middle School Students Honored Shooting Victims
Students crafted angel wings for the 58 lives lost in the 2017 tragedy during a Wednesday evening exhibition.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Eighth-grade students at Ralph Cadwallader Middle School have completed a month-long research and art project dedicated to the victims of the Oct. 1, 2017, Las Vegas Strip shooting. The project, known as the 58 Angel Wings Project, aims to preserve the legacies of those lost through personalized, handmade tributes.
Why it matters
By pairing student research with creative expression, teachers Francisco Eclarin and Christine Janette intend to foster empathy among local youth while ensuring the victims' stories remain known to future generations. The school serves as a site for reflection as the valley moves toward the planned 2027 opening of the official memorial.
The school initiative commemorates the 58 people killed in the 2017 Las Vegas Strip shooting, an event that left more than 800 individuals wounded. The exhibition of these student-made wings is scheduled to run from 6 to 7 p.m.
The players
Francisco Eclarin
An art teacher at Ralph Cadwallader Middle School who co-created the 58 Angel Wings Project.
Christine Janette
A retired teacher who co-founded the 58 Angel Wings Project in 2018.
Mynda Smith
A facilitator who assists the project by collecting victim information from family members.
Ralph Cadwallader Middle School
The Las Vegas school hosting the student exhibition and managing the research project.
The details
Art teacher Francisco Eclarin and retired teacher Christine Janette developed this program in 2018 to help students connect with the reality of the shooting. Students research a specific victim and incorporate details like family background or favorite colors into their art. Mynda Smith facilitates the process by coordinating with victim families to provide accurate information for the students. The school hosts an exhibition of these pieces for the public to observe the students' work.
Timeline
October 1, 2017: The Las Vegas shooting occurred.
2018: The 58 Angel Wings Project was created.
September 30, 2026: The exhibition occurs from 6 to 7 p.m.
October 1, 2027: The Forever One Memorial is expected to open.
Beyond the Strip
This project acts as a community-led precursor to the planned opening of the Forever One Memorial in 2027. It expands on local efforts to memorialize the 2017 tragedy through educational and creative avenues.
Families and residents are invited to visit the exhibition at Ralph Cadwallader Middle School between 6 and 7 p.m. to view the student work. Please check the school's local visitor guidelines before arriving on campus.
The takeaway
The project serves as a reminder of the long-term emotional impact of the 2017 tragedy on Las Vegas students. Residents should monitor the progress of the Forever One Memorial as the city approaches its planned 2027 completion date.
What happens next
The Forever One Memorial is currently scheduled to open its doors to the public on Oct. 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more on how local schools integrate community history into the classroom, visit Secondary Education.
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Should schools use art projects to help students learn about historical community tragedies?
