Great Mills HS shooting victim’s mom asks people to wear teal in her memory on 1 year memorial

WASHINGTON — Wednesday will mark one year since the fatal shooting at Great Mills High School in St. Mary’s County. 

One year ago, on March 20,  a gunman shot and killed Jaelynn Willey, a loving 16-year-old honor student and star swimmer, in the hallway of her high school.

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The 17-year-old gunman brought his father’s glock semi-automatic handgun to school. The day barely started before he approached Jaelynn, as she was getting ready for math class, and shot her in the head. The same bullet hit Desmond Barnes,14, in the leg. He was treated and released from a hospital.

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Jaelynn’s mother, Melissa Willey, has asked everyone to wear the color teal tomorrow to honor her daughter. Teal was Jaelynn’s favorite color. She also asks that everyone post a photo with the hashtag #TealForJaelynn

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"If Jaelynn were alive today, she would be 16, a junior at Great Mills and she'd probably be picking something for her future," said Willey in an interview earlier this year. She has tried to be strong for her husband and eight children.

"It’s sad to think that she was here and gone very quickly," said Willey, while walking in an empty hallway with WUSA9. "I’m not thrilled about sending them [two kids], but they are here."