Colleagues, Students Remember Philando Castile At Picnic
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Students who got to know Philando Castile during his time working at a St. Paul School also remembered him on Thursday.
Hundreds gathered outside JJ Hill Montessori School in St. Paul for a community picnic. Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith also attended the event. Families and friends used the day to remember the long-time St. Paul Public Schools employee.
Family, friends, and students shared a meal outside the school Philando Castile had helped serve meals to children over the years.
"I think he found that job, he found his niche. A lot of times we go through life not knowing what our purpose is. I think he realized that was his purpose," Greg Taylor, Castile's uncle, said.
It was a different tone than a week ago, when a vigil was held in front of the school in light of Castile's death.
Thursday's community event was more upbeat and healing. There was even laughter.
"He liked to make people laugh," third grader Jermaine Curtis said.
"He just had a personality that everyone loved," fifth grader Anja Gondale said. "I'm very sad the he died. He's a loving, caring guy."
Governor Mark Dayton attended the funeral, and met with the Castile family at JJ Hill Montessori, during a community picnic.
"It was a wonderful community gathering, breaking bread together and expressing their common humanity," Dayton said.
"The outpour of support has been phenomenal," Valerie Castile said.
Castile's mom addressed friends, family, and strangers.
"Any one of us could be Philando, and I don't want my son to have died in vain," Valerie Castile said.
Co-workers say Castile, who had been working for St Paul Public schools since he was 19, was known for going above and beyond for students. He would take care of missing funds for children's lunches, and help kids with special needs.
"He would go above and beyond whatever it took to make sure every single one of those kids came there hungry and left full. There was nothing in the world that man wouldn't do for them kids," one of his colleagues said.
The upcoming school year would have been Castile's 14th with the district. Students and colleagues say it won't be the same without him, but they won't forget the person who loved what he did to make others smile.
"The community of JJ Hill has really pulled together. They want to honor him any way they can. It's a sad time for them," Mary Smith, who works in food services for St. Paul Public Schools, said.
Castile's family provided the food for the picnic. The service was provided by the people who used to work with him at the school.