Wednesday was the first day of school at Berkeley Technology Academy, but the excitement was tempered by the recent death of a popular student.
Kenny Houff, 17, was shot and killed in Oakland less than two weeks ago.His death left his family, friends, and school community in shock."He always found the light in any situation. He was very intelligent," said his mother Tawana Grant as she struggled with the grief of losing her son to gun violence."Him being my only son, that was like my heart you know. And this is every mother's worst nightmare," said Grant.On August 2, just after 6 p.m.
Sophina Jones, a counselor at the high school, said the mood was somber on the first day of class as students and staff coped with the loss.Jones described Kenny as a silent giant always ready to help other students.She said the loss cuts deep.Jones shared a message one student wrote to Kenny, "I would have been calling you to see what you were going to wear for the first day of school. And now, I can't.
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