Julian HS celebrates peace 8 years after Blair Holt killed

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Percy Julian High School held a rally to celebrate peace and kindness on Monday. The South Side school has lost students to gun violence and the community wants that to end.

Blair Holt died eight years ago after he was shot on a CTA bus in 2007 on his way home from Julian High School. Since then, the school has observed the anniversary of his death by celebrating his life at an annual Peace Day assembly.

Taking center stage at the assembly were Blair's parents, Ron and Annette Holt, who urged the students to honor the dreams of other young people whose lives were cut short by violence.

"We ask young people help their dreams stay alive in the work that you do and education you receive and how much value you place on our own existence," Ron Holt said.

Outside of the assembly, there was a quilt bearing the names of gun violence victims and an installation called "Unforgotten" consisting of faceless mannequins bearing the names and actual clothes of innocent teens who were killed. Annette Holt says she hopes they will have a powerful impact on the students.

"We just don't want other young people's lives to be ended like this because we don't know what the potential of that young person was. We don't know what they could have been, but we do know the tragic end to it," said Annette Nance-Holt.

One of the speakers at the assembly is Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church, who says it's crucial for young people to make positive choices.

"These are the young people who are going to have to turn the tide to make a difference. They're the ones who have the most influence in the community," Fr. Pfleger said.