On the first anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre, a Mass was held to honor a Middletown student who was killed in the tragedy. Caitlin Hammaren, a 19-year-old sophomore who was studying international politics and French, was shot and killed by Cho Seung-Hui on the campus last April. Hammaren was one of 32 people fatally shot by the gunman, who took his own life.

Friends and family gathered Wednesday at the Holy Cross Church in Minisink to remember Hammaren. The priest said even though it is a tough time for Hammaren?s parents, they are pleased about the foundation started in their daughter?s honor.

So far, the Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation has raised more than $45,000 for college scholarships to be awarded to Minisink Valley graduates. According to the foundation, recipients will be girls with a passion for serving people, which was a characteristic Hammaren was known for.CaitlinM. Hammaren Memorial Foundation