‘Extraordinary light.’ Vigil honors Moscow stabbing victims on anniversary

Soft piano notes played on a speaker as University of Idaho students slowly moved through the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial on Thursday.

Few words were spoken by those who gathered on the three-year anniversary of the Nov. 13, 2022, murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen.

Instead, a moment of silence was held. Students left handwritten notes at the memorial built to honor the four victims.

Candles were lit and tearful hugs were exchanged. Flowers adorned the wooden and steel structure.

Hundreds of students stood quietly in reverence until they had a turn to walk through the garden.

While the day carries with it sad memories for the Moscow community, Nov. 13 also happens to be known as World Kindness Day.

The Made With Kindness Foundation, which was created in memory of the four victims, urged people on its Facebook page to perform acts of kindness to honor the students.

“Those of us who were lucky enough to know them experienced their extraordinary light, and now their legacy continues to inspire the world through acts of love and generosity,” the Facebook post says.

The Ethan’s Smile Foundation, which was created by Jim and Stacy Chapin to honor their son, hosted its third annual auction Thursday to fund scholarships for students.