Bend school district honors slain teacher, praises staff member's courage during attack: ‘Forever grateful’: news

Bend School District Honors Slain Teacher Megan Lambert and Praises Staff Bravery After Silver Rail Elementary Shooting

Bend-La Pine Schools and the broader central Oregon community are honoring the memory of 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert while expressing deep gratitude for the extraordinary bravery demonstrated by staff members during the tragic shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School.

District officials, local authorities, and community leaders paid tribute to the selfless educators and staff who acted under direct gunfire to protect students. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz highlighted the heroic actions of a teacher who confronted the teenage gunman directly inside the classroom, throwing a cellphone and tackling himan act of valor authorities noted almost certainly prevented further bloodshed before the assailant was neutralized. Lambert and three young students tragically lost their lives during the attack.

The school district also released a heartfelt statement recognizing staff who stepped into harm’s way, stating the community remains “forever grateful” and deeply indebted to their courage. Leaders singled out Becky Drury, an inclusion educational assistant who was injured while protecting children and is currently recovering, alongside a learning specialist who engaged directly during the confrontation to shield students.

Authorities and residents also recognized the intervention of armed parent Kaylub Giamanco, who followed the gunman into the facility to stop the attack, alongside rapid law enforcement response. Outside Silver Rail Elementary, growing sidewalk memorials, floral tributes, and candlelight vigils continue as the Bend community rallies around the surviving students, educators, and grieving families.