Bend School District Honors Teacher Killed in Attack

Bend-La Pine Schools is mourning a devastating loss after this week’s deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, while also recognizing the extraordinary actions of staff members who responded during the violence. In a message shared Saturday, the district said its “hearts are broken” and expressed gratitude for the educators and employees who acted under unimaginable pressure.

The district said those on campus responded to the attack “in a way for which we are forever grateful,” underscoring both the deep grief felt across the school system and the appreciation for those who tried to protect children and colleagues.

Among those killed was Megan Lambert, 25, a special education teacher at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend. Lambert had joined the district this fall for her first teaching position. In its tribute, Bend-La Pine Schools described her as a bright light for her students, her family, and the broader community, adding that she will be missed beyond what words can express.

The district also offered support for Becky Drury, an inclusion educational assistant who was injured in the attack and is recovering. School leaders said they continue to “wrap our arms around” Drury as the community waits for healing in the days ahead.

In the same statement, the district praised a learning specialist who directly confronted the shooter. Officials said the staff member responded with extraordinary courage and that the district was thankful for her safety and forever in her debt.

Community gathers to grieve

The shooting has shaken Bend, a city about 170 miles south of Portland. On Saturday, residents gathered near the school to mourn Lambert and three young students who were killed: 5-year-old Rhoam Summer and two other children, ages 8 and 11, whose families asked that their names not be publicly released.

Police said a 7-year-old girl was also injured and is recovering, along with Drury. Outside Silver Rail Elementary, a sidewalk memorial has continued to grow as mourners leave flowers, write messages in chalk, and offer prayers for the victims and their families.

Acts of bravery during the attack

Authorities and community members have also recognized Kaylub Giamanco, 36, a father of two students at Silver Rail, for intervening during the shooting. According to officials, Giamanco was on his lunch break when he saw the teenage gunman entering the school with a shotgun. He went to his car, retrieved a legally secured .40-caliber pistol, followed the shooter into the building, and fatally shot him.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz praised the quick actions of both citizens and school staff. He also highlighted an unnamed teacher who confronted the gunman by throwing a cellphone at him and tackling him. Krantz said the teacher was willing to stand and fight for her children, calling that response true heroism and saying she almost certainly helped prevent even more bloodshed.

As the investigation continues, the district’s public statements have focused on remembrance, gratitude, and care for those left behind. For many in Bend, the loss of a young teacher just beginning her career, along with the deaths of three children, has left a lasting wound.

At the same time, the courage shown by educators, staff, parents, and first responders has become a central part of how the community is processing the tragedy. The district’s message made clear that while the pain is overwhelming, the actions of those who stepped forward in a moment of terror will not be forgotten.