Maxwell Rivera dreamed of seeing his peers fill his church during its Wednesday youth group.

His dream came true this week when more than 1,200 people attended a memorial service Wednesday for the 18-year-old Liberty High School senior at Lifechurch in Allentown.

Rivera took his life early Monday, shooting himself in his backyard, authorities said.

He died from his wounds Monday afternoon at St. Luke's Hospital in Fountain Hill, according to Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Paul Zondlo.

On Tuesday, his classmates and friends gathered in the Liberty High School auditorium so everyone could share about their loss, Principal JoAnn Durante said Thursday.

"He was a very nice young man, very active in his church," Durante said, adding he loved to dance.

Many Liberty students attend Lifechurch and the church sent its youth counselors Tuesday to participate in the remembrance ceremony, Durante said. The district also provided counselors.

Students also created banners in memory of Rivera that are hanging in the school and will be brought to the church Sunday, Durante said. Many students also are expected at Rivera's funeral Monday.

Efforts to reach Rivera's friends, family and the clergy at Lifechurch on Friday were unsuccessful.

Rivera was facing a felony charge of criminal trespass and was scheduled to appear in court the day he died. He was charged Feb. 22 in Bethlehem.