Kennesaw State grad among victims of Wis. school shooting

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A substitute teacher killed during a mass shooting at a Wisconsin Christian school on Monday graduated from Kennesaw State University.

Erin Michelle West, 42, received her degree in early childhood education from KSU in 2005, the university said.

Apalachee High community reacts to Wis. school shooting

At Apalachee High School, the scars from a deadly shooting in September are still fresh, and now survivors are reacting to the Wisconsin school shooting.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Erin West, a KSU alumna whose life was taken far too soon in an act of senseless violence,” the school said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who are mourning this unimaginable tragedy.”

West was a substitute coordinator and in-building substitute teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. They said she worked as a substitute teacher for three years before taking the full-time position.

Erin West, a full-time staff member at ALCS, was shot and killed on Monday.(ALCS)

Abundant Life Christian School said in a statement that West will be ed for her “abundant skills and breadth of knowledge.”

“ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West,” the statement said. “She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile.”

Rubi Vergara, 14, was also killed in the shooting. She had attended the nondenominational Christian school since kindergarten and loved reading, art, singing and playing the keyboard, according to her obituary.

“Her gentle, loving, and kind heart was reflected in her smile,” the school said. “Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school.”

Six other people were also injured in the shooting and sent to the hospital, police said. Two of the victims, both students, remain in critical condition.

The suspect has been identified as 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow. Madison police said she shot herself and died at the hospital.