The school community is mourning the loss of a beloved Philadelphia teacher who died by suicide

The Philadelphia community is mourning the loss of beloved high school teacher Ondria Glaze, who was fatally shot by a man who then took his own life in an apparent suicide.

According to NBC News Philadelphia Local police confirmed that Glaze, 36, was shot by Richard Harper, 42, who was found dead on Monday, May 6, with a single gunshot wound to the head in a home in the Grays Ferry neighborhood.

Glaze, a special education compliance officer, was remembered as a dedicated educator at Olney High School. Director Michael Roth wrote a heartfelt letter to the school community, he posted on Facebook during which he described the teacher as the epitome of “Olney Love”.

“At Olney we have a statement: ‘Olney Love.’ “Ms. Glaze can truly be described as ‘Olney Love,'” Roth wrote in his letter. “She embodied this mantra and blessed every student and employee she met.”

In honor of Glaze’s memory, the school began a GoFundMe campaign establish a scholarship in her name. The scholarship goals to support university graduates in realizing their aspirations.

“This scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior, helping them pursue their dreams and continue the positive impact Ms. Glaze has had on all of us,” reads the GoFundMe description. “Funds raised will be placed in a trust fund which will ensure the scholarship can be awarded for many years to come.”

The campaign has received significant support, with over $25,000 raised to this point. It also highlights Glaze’s long-standing commitment to the school, to which she devoted over a decade of her life.

Described by a friend as “the brightest light,” Glaze left an indelible mark on those round her. Jerry T. Jordan, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, expressed deep sadness at the tragic loss, emphasizing the impact Glaze’s death had on the Olney High School community and all who knew her.

“I am deeply saddened by the murder of Ondria Glaze, a special education and SPECM (Special Education Compliance Monitoring) teacher at Olney High School. On behalf of all our members, we mourn Ms. Glaze, her family, the Olney High School community and all who knew and loved her.”

“There are no words that can express this level of loss and our deep condolences are insufficient.”

There will likely be a vigil for Glaze next Monday, May 13, at Olney High School.