Story perspectives

Washburn Center clinicians support Annunciation School shooting survivors

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Annunciation Catholic School shooting killed 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski and injured dozens.
Washburn Center for Children deployed clinicians to the school, providing counseling through walkie-talkies.
Therapists, called “butterflies,” use a peace-sign signal and dedicated Channel 2 for on-call support.
The mental-health team will remain on campus when classes resume next week.
Washburn Center, serving Minnesota since 1883, expanded from triage to a trusted on-call network.

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Story summary

The Annunciation Catholic School shooting killed 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski and injured dozens.
Washburn Center for Children deployed clinicians to the school, providing counseling through walkie-talkies.
Therapists, called “butterflies,” use a peace-sign signal and dedicated Channel 2 for on-call support.
The mental-health team will remain on campus when classes resume next week.
Washburn Center, serving Minnesota since 1883, expanded from triage to a trusted on-call network.