Memorial recognizing 30 years after Frontier tragedy to be held Sunday

MOSES LAKE — Thirty years after the tragedy at Frontier Middle School, the Moses Lake School District will hold “We Remember,” a community gathering centered on healing, unity and continued support, according to organizers. The event takes place Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Frontier Middle School cafeteria. 

In its announcement, the district emphasized that the gathering is not about revisiting the traumatic details, but about honoring the strength of those affected and the compassion that has carried the community through the past three decades. On Feb. 3, 1996, multiple students and a teacher lost their lives when one of the nation’s first mass school shootings occurred at the campus. 

For Jon Lane, the former gym teacher who intervened during the shooting, the 30-year-mark brings deep reflection.  

“There’s still healing going on. There’s still hurt going on, and I want that to be acknowledged,” Lane said.  

Lane said planning the event is about bringing people together. 

“It’s about caring for the kids, caring for the community,” he said. “I just want something good to come out of it.” 

Lane has spent several months helping connect former students, staff and families with the district as plans for the gathering came together. He said his goal is simple: to create space for people to be together and support one another. 

“Some people have never really had the opportunity to grieve,” Lane said. “My hope is that kids hug each other. Hug on one another.” 

Among Sunday’s speakers is Jason McLean, the teacher who stepped into the math classroom immediately after the shooting. McLean said the significance of speaking at the event is deeply personal. 

“Good things can come from bad events,” he said. “I look at those students today and realize what they overcame and the people they became.” 

McLean said preparing to speak has brought a surprising sense of anticipation. 

“More than anything, I’m excited to see the students and hear how they’re doing, where they’re living, how their families are,” he said. “They’re all warrior strong. How can I not be?” 

As for what he hopes the community takes from this commemoration, McLean’s message is simple: “Take time with our youth. With love and support, all kids can be successful.” 

The district stresses attendance is optional, and community members should participate in whatever way feels right for them. 

The gathering is intended to offer quiet solidarity — a reminder that even after 30 years, Moses Lake continues to heal together, organizers said. 

“We Remember”
Frontier Middle School Cafeteria
Feb. 1. 2 p.m. 

Editor’s Note: The Columbia Basin Herald recognizes that this shooting, despite the passage of three decades, is still very raw and painful for many of our readers and members of the community. As such, we will not cover the actual memorial ceremony on Sunday, though we will attend to honor the children and educator lost during the tragedy. A longer memorial piece will appear in Monday’s edition on the inside pages of the A section. We have been careful in curating that story in such a way as to be respectful with the hope that we help our community continue to heal and honor those lost. Our deepest respect goes to the families of the victims.