Miah Hergert, an inclusion educational assistant at the Bend school, released a statement Sunday through Bend-La Pine Schools. She was with students in the classroom when the shooting occurred, according to the district.

"October 15 changed my life forever. Everything happened so fast, I witnessed both unimaginable darkness and extraordinary love," Hergert said. "To the angels who saved my life, thank you. I will carry you in my heart forever. My heart aches for the families who lost their loved ones."

On Oct. 15, a 16-year-old armed with a shotgun killed three students and a teacher at the school, according to police. A parent who had followed the shooter onto campus then shot and killed him inside a classroom. Another teacher and a student in that classroom were injured. The suspect was a former student at Silver Rail but was not enrolled in the district.

Hergert's statement did not name the victims but spoke directly to their families.

"No words can ease the pain of such an unimaginable loss. To those families, I hope you all know how deeply your loved ones were cherished and how their love and impact will live on in all of us. I will forever carry their memory with me," she said.

She also reflected on her short time in Bend, where she said she had worked with children for less than a year.

"In less than a year, Bend has become my home. Working with these children has brought back the joy, innocence, and nostalgia of my own childhood. I came here hoping to make a difference in their lives, never realizing how much they would change mine," Hergert said.

She thanked colleagues and neighbors for their support and struck a note of hope amid the grief.

"I am beyond grateful for the teachers who welcomed me like family, the people who have surrounded me with love, and this community that continues to show up for one another. These children are our light, and I hope to continue growing alongside them," she said. "There is still so much love in this world, and I believe that together, we can find our way forward."

The district announced that school will resume at Silver Rail Elementary for some students on Nov. 12. The return comes nearly a month after the attack, which has shaken families across Bend and prompted an outpouring of community support for victims, survivors and school staff.

Hergert's full statement, as released by the district, follows:

"To the Bend community, the families, teachers, and children who have become such a special part of my life, my heart is forever with you.

October 15 changed my life forever. Everything happened so fast, I witnessed both unimaginable darkness and extraordinary love. To the angels who saved my life, thank you. I will carry you in my heart forever. My heart aches for the families who lost their loved ones.

No words can ease the pain of such an unimaginable loss. To those families, I hope you all know how deeply your loved ones were cherished and how their love and impact will live on in all of us. I will forever carry their memory with me.

In less than a year, Bend has become my home. Working with these children has brought back the joy, innocence, and nostalgia of my own childhood. I came here hoping to make a difference in their lives, never realizing how much they would change mine.

I am beyond grateful for the teachers who welcomed me like family, the people who have surrounded me with love, and this community that continues to show up for one another. These children are our light, and I hope to continue growing alongside them.

There is still so much love in this world, and I believe that together, we can find our way forward."