This week, the Bend-La Pine Schools district in Oregon mourned the loss of three young students and a teacher following a mass shooting. The district expressed deep sorrow and gratitude towards the educator and staff member who showed remarkable bravery during the incident.
“Our hearts are broken,” the district stated online. “Their response to the attack on their school has left us forever grateful.”
Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old special education teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was among those who lost their lives. Lambert had started her teaching career with the district this fall.
The district honored Lambert as a beacon of positivity for her students, family, and the community, stating that her absence will be deeply felt.
Also acknowledged was Becky Drury, an inclusion educational assistant who sustained injuries during the attack. She is currently recovering.
“We continue to wrap our arms around Becky Drury,” the district communicated. “Additionally, a learning specialist directly confronted the shooter with great courage. We are thankful for her safety.”
The community of Bend, located about 170 miles south of Portland, is reeling from the tragedy. Residents gathered near the school on Saturday to grieve Lambert and the three young victims: Rhoam Summer, age 5, as well as two other children, ages 8 and 11, whose families chose not to disclose their names publicly.
A 7-year-old girl and Drury were also injured but are recovering, according to authorities.
A sidewalk memorial outside Silver Rail Elementary has seen mourners leave flowers, offer prayers, and write supportive chalk messages.
Kaylub Giamanco, 36, a father of two students at Silver Rail, has been recognized as a hero for intervening during the attack. During his lunch break, Giamanco saw the shooter, a teenager, entering the school with a shotgun. He retrieved his .40-caliber pistol from his car, chased the shooter into the building, and fatally shot him.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz praised the swift actions of citizens and staff, highlighting another teacher who boldly confronted the gunman by throwing a cellphone and tackling him.
“The teacher was willing to stand and fight for her children,” Krantz said. “Her actions likely prevented further casualties.”