Vigil set for critically injured teen

By Tony Gonzalez

Published: November 12, 2008

For friends of a former R.E. Lee High School football star critically wounded Sunday, reports from family that the teen is moving and opening his eyes have boosted hope after three prayer-filled days.

A vigil and donation drive for Reginald “Shay” Nicholson, 19, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Memorial Stadium in Staunton. A friend also opened a credit union account to receive donations for hospital bills as the teen remains in critical condition with a bullet lodged in his skull at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

Nicholson was shot early Sunday in an off-campus housing complex near James Madison University in Harrisonburg, friends said. Police declined to identify the victim. No suspects have been named.

Friends responded to the news Monday night by gathering flowers and cards to send to the former Liberty University recruit and have continued to visit family in the hospital.

Former prom date and friend Desira Curry, 18, said Wednesday that Nicholson’s family reported improvements in the teen’s condition.

“It’s giving me a lot of hope,” said Curry, who said Nicholson befriended her on her first day at Lee.

Fellow Blue Ridge Community College student Zuri Hart, 18, went to the hospital Tuesday, but could not see the friend she often saw training at the YMCA where she works.

Hart, who last saw Nicholson Friday, said she is still coming to terms with the shooting.

“His mom is being incredibly strong,” Hart said.

Friend Leslie Burke, 18, also visited the hospital Tuesday.

“His mom ... was saying that his days are getting better and better,” said Burke, who added Nicholson was always good for a laugh and “new slang.”

Vigil organizer Cindy Wood, 18, said the Saturday event will happen rain or shine.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 574-5050. All callers will remain anonymous and could receive a financial reward.