MARYSVILLE, Wash. – The parents of two victims in the Marysville High School shooting are working to help students improve their lives.
Zoe Galasso and Gia Soriano were killed in the October 2014 shooting in the school cafeteria along with two other classmates and the shooter. Another victim survived.
Michael and Michelle Galasso and Bryan and Susan Soriano have helped set up the "Friends of Peace" scholarship. It will go to a graduating senior from Everett High School who has overcome a traumatic life experience and is interested in pursuing a college degree.
Michelle, Susan, and Bryan all graduated from Everett High School. That's why they were all proud when Jo Levin, who taught them physical education at the school, came forward and wanted to help with a scholarship.
"She knew that was something I wanted (a scholarship) and she said that is something I can do," Michelle said of Levin. "We were just happy to get it going for the students."
Levin worked with Mariah Miller, a friend of the Galasso and Soriano families, to help launch the scholarship right away.
"Trauma changes you," Galasso said. "Just everything that we have gone through in the last six months. It has changed me and my family and I think being able to give back just means a lot."
The Soriano and Galasso families are grateful that this scholarship is started and thankful for the donations from the community. They hope to keep this going for many years to come but it will be dependent on the money they are able to raise.
Michelle says she knows her daughter will be looking down and smiling when the first scholarship is awarded in June.
"Zoe always wanted to go to college," Michelle said. "She'll be happy that I can help send someone for her."
Donations can be made online. In the tribute section, you need to reference the "Friends of Peace Scholarship." You can also mail a donation to the Everett Public Schools Foundation, PO Box 3112, Everett, WA 98213.