
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you about a recent loss to our GPA school staff. On October 16, 2023, our teacher, Mr. Douglass, passed away. This sudden and tragic loss comes as a shock and we will all miss him more than words can express. Mr. Douglass joined our team at Gompers Preparatory Academy (GPA) in August 2022. His bright smile and a warm personality made it easy to connect.
Students in his classes knew he cared about them because he took the time to build connections. Prior to his time with us at GPA, Mr. Douglass worked with both middle and high school students sharing his passions for history, math, and STEAM studies. He was also a mentor and a coach within the community. In a short time at GPA, Mr.Douglass was able to establish himself as a teacher students could count on, connect with, and learn from. His willingness to listen to their stories, to celebrate their successes, and to work hard to improve each day in order for them to reach their goals made all the difference. Mr. Douglass also made an impact with his colleagues as he was always helping others. He was very respected and loved because of his gentle manner and demeanor. Some special memories of Mr. Douglass shared by his colleagues, that will continue to bring a smile to our faces, were that he had a sweet tooth and loved donuts. He loved creating experiences for his students. We are so thankful that Mr. Douglass chose to spend time sharing his gifts with us at GPA, and that we had the privilege to know him, work beside him, and be a part of his journey. He will be greatly missed by his students, his colleagues, and the entire GPA community.