Counselors were on hand at the North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton as students returned to classes Monday.

During the holiday break, one of their former classmates was killed.

More than a half-dozen students and former classmates signed their ideas about how to remember Michael Shull.

The choices ranged from planting a tree in his memory in front of the school to naming an award after the 21-year-old. Just as the school started its break last month, news spread of Shull's death in Charlotte.

Police said three teens beat, robbed and stabbed him to death.  He had gone to Charlotte to go Christmas shopping with his girlfriend.

Shull’s former teachers are still in shock about what happened.  Shull graduated last year and had found a job as a mechanic in Morganton. 

“He was an influence and a guide for other students,” said teacher David Bird. “All of us that knew Michael had to agree how wonderful a person he was. And we couldn't believe something this horrible happened to this wonderful a person.”

The school said one thing that is very important to the faculty and students is that they want to include Shull's family and his coworkers when they make a final decision on the memorial at the school. 

Many people at the school chose to remember Shull for how he lived instead of how he died.  

“He was easy to be around because he would make you laugh and was easy to talk to.   He had a positive outlook,” said student Alexandria Blancett.

“I feel like it is almost like a brother I have lost, and it was so unexpected,” said former student Kelly Randal. “My friend is gone and I can't believe it. It is so sad.”