MARYSVILLE, Wash. – The Marysville-Pilchuck High School yearbook was released Thursday and includes the photo of the student who shot five classmates last fall, killing four of them.
Michelle Galasso, whose daughter was killed in the shooting last fall, said she understands the decision to publish Jaylen Fryberg's photo as a member of the freshman class -- which he was.
In a statement, the school district said the school and yearbook staff decided to leave all students in the yearbook after researching how to approach this year's edition.
Their research included talking with other school districts who had experienced school shootings and talking with experts.
Jaylen Fryberg took his own life after the shootings inside the school cafeteria on October 24, 2014. Jaylen's cousin Andrew Fryberg, Zoe Galasso, Shaylee Chuckulnaskit and Gia Soriano were killed. Nate Hatch survived.
Instead of focusing on Jaylen's picture, Michelle pointed to all the work yearbook students had put into honoring the victims of the shooting. She said students even asked for her approval on a special insert.
Some people in the community disagreed with the choice to include Jaylen in the yearbook.
"I have never been so disappointed," a student said in an email to KING 5. "He has no place in a book where he will remind the children of the horrific day."
The student, who asked not to be named, said she wasn't sure if her friends were upset, but the community is divided when it comes to Jaylen.
Raymond Fryberg, Jaylen's father, is charged with illegally possessing the gun Jaylen used in the shooting. Raymond has pleaded not guilty.
Superintendent of Dr. Becky Berg of the Marysville School District released the following statement:
"The Marysville Pilchuck yearbook staff and students, along with school administration, researched the most appropriate ways to approach the content and layout of the yearbook after the tragic events of this school year. This process included speaking to other school districts which have experienced school shootings and consulting with experts in the field. The outcome of these conversations was the decision that all students would remain in the yearbook. It has been our goal to handle every situation with sensitivity, relying on the advice and expertise of those who unfortunately have found themselves in similar situations."
