Teacher Killed in Oregon School Shooting Honored at Memorial Service

Hundreds of friends, family, and community members gathered at Caldera High School in Bend, Oregon, for a memorial service honoring Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old teacher killed in a recent elementary school shooting.

Lambert was one of four victims of the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, perpetrated by 16-year-old John J Griffin. The service, held at Lambert's alma mater, drew attendees from as far as Canada and Australia, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

During the service, attendees shared memories of Lambert. Somer Eckert, who spoke at the memorial, described Lambert's impact on her students, stating, "Her no-nonsense yet loving approach reached kids academically and let them know they mattered personally." Andy Young, a colleague and former teacher, remembered Lambert as a "spark of joy," characterizing her as "boisterous, gregarious, kind, a good soul, she was a leader and people were drawn to her." Another attendee, Jacynda Carmichael, said Lambert inspired her to live "boldly and courageously and curious about the world."

Beyond her teaching, Lambert was also a coach at the Central Oregon Volleyball Club (COVC). The club has initiated a fundraising effort to establish a scholarship in her name, aiming to support athletes who face financial barriers to playing the sport. COVC noted on their GoFundMe page that Lambert's generosity extended to her first year coaching, when she declined payment to ensure funds went to athletes in need. The scholarship seeks to uphold this legacy.

Megan Lambert's family has also established the Megan Lambert Memorial Fund, dedicated to supporting causes aligned with her values and passions. "Her loss has been deeply felt across Bend and Central Oregon," the fund's description states.