MARYSVILLE — A community event is planned for the one-year milestone of the shootings at Marysville Pilchuck High School.
The event, called A Walk of Strength, will start at 9 a.m. Oct. 24 and will include a walk around the campus. The plan includes inviting people to plant red and white tulip bulbs as they “come together and reflect,” according to a news release.
The details are being coordinated by the city, the school district and the Tulalip Tribes.
“An unimaginable event occurred in our community last year that changed lives forever,” schools Superintendent Becky Berg said in the release. “But it does not define us.”
The walk is meant to be a safe and supportive way to remember together, Mayor Jon Nehring said. Tribal Chairman Mel Sheldon described each step as a symbol for healing and moving forward.
T-shirts with the logo and “#MPstronger” branding are expected to go on sale at www.mpmemorial.org.
Oct. 24 will mark one year since a freshman at Marysville Pilchuck High School invited a group of friends to sit together in the main cafeteria. He shot five of them, four of whom were fatally wounded. He then took his own life.
Rochelle Lubbers, Tulalip Tribes Recovery Manager, City of Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, Tulalip Tribes Chairman Mel Sheldon, Dr. Becky Berg, Marysville School District Superintendent and Tara Mizell, City of Marysville Recovery Manager. Photo/Mike Sarich, Tulalip News
Press Release: Marysville School District, City of Marysville and the Tulalip Tribes
TULALIP – Six months after the tragic shooting at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, local leaders gathered for an update on the accomplishments of Marysville/Tulalip United, a community group tasked with coordinating long-term recovery, and discussed the recovery efforts currently planned for the coming months.
Tulalip Tribes Chairman Mel Sheldon, Marysville School District Superintendent Dr. Becky Berg and city of Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring met Friday morning, April 24, for a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders from Marysville/Tulalip United.
“I am truly humbled by the work that has been done by our communities over the last six months,” Sheldon said. “Having been recently reelected to the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors I have been brought up to speed on the progress of the recovery effort and am heartened that the collaboration between the tribe, city, and the school district represents a real opportunity to achieve lasting healing together.”
Superintendent Berg echoed Sheldon’s comments and shared her own perspective on the ongoing recovery work as a participant in Marysville/Tulalip United.
Marysville School District Superintendent Becky Berg and City of Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring. Photo/Mike Sarich, Tulalip News
“We are learning that the process of recovery will last for years,” Berg said. “The work of the Marysville/Tulalip United group along with the efforts of our recovery directors and professionals in the field of post-trauma, have helped us to support and provide resources for those impacted by the tragic events of October 24.”
Representatives from Marysville/Tulalip United highlighted major community recovery accomplishments in the past six months, including the many successful community workshops and training sessions led by Dr. Robert Macy and the International Trauma Center and submission of a Project AWARE grant to provide additional mental health professionals in the Marysville School District.
Local leaders expressed appreciation for the way recovery efforts have strengthened existing community partnerships and focused attention on supporting local youth.
“These are unchartered waters for our community and our schools,” Superintendent Berg said. “A horrific shooting happened on our watch, but it will not define our community. Instead, we will be defined by how we respond and support each other.”
Though he knows long-term recovery work will continue for months or even years, Mayor Jon Nehring expressed his appreciation for the group’s efforts.
“It’s remarkable to see what Marysville/Tulalip United has accomplished in only six months,” Nehring said. “I’m incredibly proud of the work they’ve done to provide support to our students and our community, and I look forward to seeing what progress they will make in the coming months and years.”
Tara Mizell, City of Marysville Recovery Manager and Rochelle Lubbers, Tulalip Tribes Recovery Manager. Photo/Mike Sarich, Tulalip News
Local leaders plan to partner on community mental health messaging and support for students and community members during the summer months. Please visit Marysville/Tulalip United online for more information about upcoming community events and training opportunities: www.mtunited.org
