By Mike Patty
Denver Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer

The five students who remain in hospitals from wounds suffered in the April 20 Columbine High shootings continue to improve.

Anne Marie Hochhalter, 17, was upgraded from serious to fair condition at Swedish Medical Center.

"She has been sitting up in a chair more and more and has been undergoing more therapy," hospital spokeswoman Sara Spaulding said Thursday. "Since she has been moved from the critical care unit, she would love to start seeing some of her friends."

Also at Swedish, Richard Castaldo, 17, remained in fair condition. If he feels up to it, he might make an appearance Saturday at the Peace Jam Slam at Regis University.

At Craig Hospital, Sean Graves, 15, and Patrick Ireland, 17, continued their rehabilitation. Sean has begun intensive therapy in the spinal cord injury program.

His injury has been termed an "incomplete," meaning he is paralyzed below the level of the wound but has some feeling and movement. Sean's doctors said his long-term prognosis is unknown.

Lance Kirklin, 16, remained in fair condition Thursday at Denver Health Medical Center. He is feeling well enough that doctors have agreed to allow Lance and his parents to meet with reporters today.