The tragic murder of three MSU students during Monday night’s shootings on campus not only impacts the MSU/East Lansing community, but also the school districts where these three young people recently graduated.

Alexandria Verner graduated in 2020 from Clawson High School, where her mother is a teacher and longtime MEA member and her father serves on the school board.

“She was a tremendous student, athlete, leader and exemplified kindness every day of her life,” Clawson Public Schools Superintendent Billy Shellenbarger wrote about Verner in a letter to Clawson schools families.

“Her parents, Ted and Nancy, and sister Charlotte and brother TJ are equally grieving but are certainly already feeling the uplifting support of this tremendous community,” he wrote. “If you knew her, you loved her and we will forever remember the lasting impact she has had on all of us.”

Grosse Pointe had two 2021 graduates killed in the attack: Brian Fraser of Grosse Pointe South and Arielle Anderson from Grosse Pointe North. Grosse Pointe Education Association co-presidents Jackie Shelson and Taryn Loughlin issued a statement regarding the deaths of the two students, saying:

“We loved these two students, just as we love each and every one of the children who walk through the doors of our schools. Our hearts go out to their families, friends and loved ones, as well as to our entire Grosse Pointe community, as we mourn this senseless tragedy. Now more than ever, we must unite and support one another as we grieve. GPEA is working with our school district and community partners to assemble mental health and other resources to help students, families and school staff in the coming days and weeks.”

MEA is working with local leaders in both districts to ensure support services are available to anyone who needs them.

A candlelight vigil is planned for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Rock on MSU’s campus to honor the three deceased students and the other five who were injured in the shooting (who have not been named as of this time).