DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — As a DeKalb County community mourns the loss of a beloved teacher, another school is rallying to help the woman's daughters.
"We're certainly looking forward to both girls returning to school," said Fernbank Elementary School Principal Jason Marshall.
The entire staff is hopeful for the timely return of Rachel and Kori O'Brien. The girls lost their mother, Leah O'Brien, in a crash Saturday night.
O'Brien was on her way to chaperone Lakeside High School's prom.
Her daughter Kori, a Fernbank second-grader, was in the car when it crashed at Scott Boulevard and Ridley Circle. Kori is in a coma and remains in critical condition.
The Fernbank community is standing by the girls in this time of need.
Marshall told Channel 2's Wendy Corona that students and staff have sent cards and letters to the hospital and home to Rachel, Kori's older sister.
The Fernbank community is quieted by the loss of Leah O'Brien, an involved teacher and parent who was always available and ready to serve.
Now the school community says it's ready to serve the two jewels left without their mother.
"Although we've lost Miss O'Brien as a parent, we still have two wonderful children that we're going to put every ounce of our heart and soul into," Marshall said.
Marshall told Corona the girls are very bright, intelligent and focused.
"Her grandmother called and said that she wanted homework so we got it for her. Homework, books, we sent it all home," said Marshall.
Parent Stacey Myers told Coronashe was moved to hear that.
"That touches me to know that, you know she is still concerned about her school work and having her mom be proud of her for getting everything done," Myers said.
Despite her youth and the load of tragedy, there's an ingrained commitment to educational success and also an example of the admirable woman a community lost.
"They're going to have a lot of education ahead of them. As we know, they are college-bound, and so we want to contribute to that effort," Marshall said.
The family, in conjunction with the school, have set up a fund for the girls' future education costs.