Community Still Mourning Slain Teacher (PHOTOS)

There is a hole in the lives of the Wilde Lake High School community following the death of their teacher and friend.

But there was a sense of reassurance Wednesday night during a memorial service at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Columbia, where hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the life of Laura Wallen.

Wallen, a history teacher at Wilde Lake, was found dead in a shallow grave near Damascus shortly after she was reported missing. She was four-months pregnant at the time of her death.

Her boyfriend, and presumably the child’s father, was charged and arrested for her murder.

“Right after we learned about her death and how she died, the whole school just felt very hurt,” Michael, a senior at the school said. “She was just super nice and we’re going to miss her.”

The school’s student government planned last night’s ceremony as a step towards healing with memories shared by students and her coworkers.

“Her name means a lot more to me than just my second period teacher,” former student, Mikayla Jordan, said. “I don’t know if the community will ever be right without her.”

Wallen’s parents, Mark and Gwen Wallen, were also in attendance.

Her father offered this advice to students, “One thing we always told our daughters, that still rings true today, is surround yourself with successful people that are smarter than you and they will help you be your best.”

Staff & students from Wilde Lake HS are gathered across the street at the Interfaith Center 2 celebrate the life of #laurawallen @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/aXAOtuQw4i

— Mitti Hicks (@MittiMegan) October 5, 2017

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About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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