A tribute to Emily Keyes: Sculptor inspired to get involved

Dale Shrull
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
September 20, 2007

MARBLE - The grinder buzzes to life and Greg Tonozzi is quickly surrounded in a haze of marble dust.

Emily Keyes wasn't on his mind as he focused on the marble bench.

It's been 358 days since Emily Keyes was killed by a lone gunman inside Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colo.

Today, Tonozzi will travel to Bailey and help install his tribute to Emily outside the high school where she died. A tribute to a young girl known for her smile and bright personality. A girl who sent one last cell phone text message to her parents, pecking out "I love you guys."

It's been a long few months but Tonozzi, his graying hair pulled into a ponytail covered with dust, says it's been a very worthwhile journey.

"It's not a matter of the work, it's the matter of opening your heart up to do something like this."

When Tonozzi took on the project, he never considered charging for his work. "There's no way anyone could pay me to do this."

Grabbing a quick lunch and a break from the marble, Tonozzi's philosophical side gurgles out. He talks about what inspires him - jazz, books, religion - then he speaks of the young girl taken from the world too soon.

It's thoughts of Emily that make the project not feel like work.

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