The school community is mourning the loss of a beloved Philadelphia teacher killed in a murder-suicide

A 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 murder-suicide.

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

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

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

To honor Glaze’s memory, the school launched a GoFundMe campaign to establish a scholarship in her name. The aim of the scholarship is to support graduates in achieving their goals.

“This scholarship will be awarded each year to one graduating senior to help them achieve their dreams and continue the positive influence Ms. Glaze has had on all of us,” the GoFundMe description reads. “The funds collected will flow into a foundation that will ensure that this scholarship can continue to be awarded in the coming years.”

The campaign has received significant support, raising over $25,000 to date. It also underscores Glaze’s longstanding commitment to the school, to which she has dedicated more than a decade of her life.

Glaze was described by a colleague as “the brightest light” and left an indelible impression on those around her. Jerry T. Jordan, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss and emphasized the impact Glaze’s death had on the Olney High School community and everyone who knew her.

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

“There are no words that can describe this magnitude of loss and our deep condolences are not enough.”

Olney High School will hold a vigil in Glaze’s honor next Monday, May 13th.