student obituary assignment

How to write the perfect obituary, according to professional writers

I’m the writer in my family, which means that I am offered a great deal of unpaid work from my loved ones. If someone’s kid is applying for colleges, chances are high I’ll get an email asking if I have time to edit (i.e., completely rewrite) their personal essay. I’m also frequently paged to help with wedding toasts, job applications and dating profiles. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of saying no , and usually politely decline most of these solicitations for free editorial assistance, unless someone is asking for help with an obituary or eulogy. When it comes to composing or honing one’s words of remembrance, I’m almost always ready to lend a pen.

Why am I so eager to donate my time to this rather morbid type of writing? On one hand, it’s because, having written eulogies for loved ones, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to think clearly when grieving , and I imagine that, if you’re not used to writing every day, the task of crafting an obit can be mighty daunting; but my interest in eulogistic composition also stems from my fascination with the fact that in the end, we all become stories. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, sure, but also: words to words. Writing doesn’t get much more meaningful than that, and there’s nothing quite so moving as an obituary that truly captures and honors the spirit of the deceased.

Earlier this week, thousands of readers were blown away by an obit that did just that and then some. The obituary of 82-year-old Connecticuter Joe Heller , penned by his daughter Monique Heller, was praised as the “best obituary ever” by The New York Times , which also profiled Heller’s “wacky” funeral, a casual affair that saw his coffin carried off in a vintage Mack fire truck.

Monique Heller was unsparing in her remembrance of her father as a penny-pinching prankster, a hoarder with a soft spot for dogs (whom he gave hilariously vulgar names) and a “consummate napper” who spurned suits and snobbery. It’s possibly the funniest obituary ever to make the rounds online, and yet it is also incredibly loving and informative. The reader is given interesting facts about Heller’s life — like that he was a self-taught chemist, a volunteer firefighter and a Navy veteran. The reader is also provided essential details about Heller’s memorial service, where to send donations, and who survives him — but even these particulars are delivered in a sportive spirit of fun-poking and wit.

What makes a great obit?

I never met Joe Heller, but boy, I wish I had. I also hope that if I’m ever responsible for writing the obit of someone very close to me that I can do half as good a job, because this obit, as Hannah Sentenac , a freelance writer who specializes in obituaries says, is “legendary.”

“I was incredibly impressed that it was written by a family member and not a professional writer, although it makes sense given the incredible level of detail and personal insight,” says Sentenac. “I think the fact that this went viral speaks to the fact that people don't want ‘traditional’ obituaries; they want humor, flair, wit, personality.”

Katharine Blossom Lowrie , owner/writer at The Précis, a provider of obituary and eulogy services, was also impressed by Heller’s obituary, and shared it on her site for prospective clients to read.

“I intend to urge future clients to read [Heller’s obit] before filling out their forms so they can see the possibilities, the humor, the beauty of telling the truth about someone,” Lowrie says.

Susan Shain , a freelance writer who provides obituary writing services is in agreement with writers Lowrie and Sentenac (along with pretty much everyone who reads it), that Joe Heller’s obituary is wonderful, adding that it accomplishes what all obits should by being “unafraid to let the person’s personality shine.”

The anatomy of a good obituary

How can we compose similarly fantastic obituaries for our own dearly departed friends and family, or even for ourselves ahead of our final days?

We’ve compiled a list of tips that the pros recommend.

1. Jot down the key facts first

Even the most sensational obituaries should include key details about the person’s life and death. First, you’ll want to include the person’s name, birth place, age, date of death, location and cause of death (optional). From there, Shain says you should go on to include other biographical staples such as “whether they got married, had kids, [details of] their careers and retirement.” You’ll also want to share the names and relationships of who survives the deceased, and finally, include the details of the memorial service, where to send flowers or donations and any other must-know information for mourners. The recitation of these details can feel a bit cold and clinical, but it’s important to have the basics down. Free online obituary templates can help serve as a checklist here.

2. Write in the present tense, in letter form and change it later

Emma Goss , an eyewitness news reporter for Bakersfield Now and former producer at NBC News, has written obituaries for celebrities, beloved community members and, strange as it sounds, for famous people who aren’t yet deceased. Goss’s most practical tip is to “write in the present tense and change it to the past tense later.” This approach can help you “feel like you’re really connecting to who you’re writing about,” Goss says, adding that you can also benefit from a first draft in letter form. “Deliver it like you’re writing it to their husband or wife or best friend. Tell them something [positive] that they may not have known.”

3. Reach out to friends and family for memorable stories

Part of what makes Heller obituary so lovely is that it gives you all the staple information of a traditional obit, but functions more as a eulogy, with tons of anecdotes and character. To write an obit like this, narrow in on your clearest memories.

“What are the first words that come to mind when you think of the person [who has passed]?” asks Shain. “What are some stories that demonstrate those qualities? It's a good idea to talk to other family members because you will jog each other's memories. See what other people remember — that’s a really good place to start.

Sentenac stresses not to be shy when it comes to recalling “funny stories, mishaps or eccentricities. Sometimes those kinds of things best represent a person's life.”

4. Ask yourself these questions about your loved one

Sentenac shares some questions she asks her clients when crafting an obit for their loved ones:

• How would you describe your loved one’s personality? What did people say most often about him/her?
• What are some of your favorite memories of your loved one?
• What were your loved one’s proudest accomplishments?
• What were your loved one’s hobbies/favorite things?
• What was the thing you loved most about your loved one?
• Any foibles/quirks or other personality traits that made your loved one extra special?

Also fodder for thought: “How would they want to be remembered? And how will they be genuinely remembered by those who loved them? It's a dance between the two,” says Sentenac.

5. Don’t feel like this has to be funny

Joe Heller’s obit has numerous LOL moments, which works for his obituary because he was an infamous jokester, but humor may not be suitable for the obit you’re writing.

“If someone is more serious, more traditional, I don’t use humor at all,” says Shain.

Additionally, one’s death may just be too tragic for a jocular obituary. Goss recounts writing the obit of a 10-year-old boy who died after a heart transplant went awry. There’s just no way to make that obit hilarious, nor should there be. It’s okay for the obit to be short and to the point with just a few lines about the remarkable impressions the departed one has left on the world.

“Use your own judgment about what's appropriate,” says Sentenac. “If you knew the person well, chances are you'll be able to assess the tone and style that would suit them.”

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How to Write an Obituary with Examples

As a fitting tribute to a loved one who has passed away, an obituary is considered both customary and traditional. An obituary is a written death notice and serves a crucial role in announcing the passing of the individual to the world, especially since these notices are typically published both online and in local newspapers.

It's usually the responsibility of an immediate family member to write the obituary for someone who has passed. This can certainly be a less than easy task, considering that if you're the one writing the obituary, you're likely also handling funeral arrangements as well as also mourning your loss.

Yet writing an obituary doesn't have to be an insurmountable challenge. Here are some tips and examples of well written obituaries.

What to Include in an Obituary

Obituaries serve as public notice of death, and they need to contain a minimum amount of information to serve that role. Most examples of well written obituaries include the following:

• Death Announcement:  Make the announcement that the deceased has passed away, including the date and place if necessary or desired. You can include other details about the circumstances of the death if you want, but these aren't strictly required.
• Life Events:  It's customary to highlight the deceased's major life events in a short list, like graduations, marriages and any major career milestones they achieved while in life.
• Family Members:  Listing the surviving family members of the deceased is customary. Typically, this means the immediate family, such as a spouse and any children or grandchildren. Siblings and parents are also often included in the list of immediate family if appropriate.
• Event Details:  The date and location of the memorial, if any, are usually listed here. If funeral services are private, however, there's no need to announce them.
• Donation Information:  Many people opt to send flowers for a funeral. If the family of the deceased would like floral donations, or if they would rather have people donate to a memorial fund or a charity in the name of the deceased, you should list that information here as well.
• Photos:  Many obituaries include at least one photo of the individual who has passed. It can be a recent photo, or it can be a picture of the deceased from their youth. This is optional but is often considered standard for many families.

Obituary Examples

The following two fictional examples of well written obituaries can be used to help you craft your own for a loved one who has recently passed.

Obituary Example 1

Musician and retired high school music teacher Fritz Kreisler's love of life didn't come to an end with his death. Fritz passed away on April 20th, 2023 at the age of 92 from natural causes, surrounded by friends and family that will continue to honor his legacy by celebrating his life and accomplishments. Immigrating from Hungary in his teenage years, Fritz completed his Bachelor's degree at the Oneonta campus of the State University of New York. After teaching for 12 years, he returned to graduate school to complete a Master's degree in Music Education. Fritz's pride was in his school district and students, and he shared his passion for music with thousands of those students over his long career. Fritz took great joy in the simple pleasures. He enjoyed spending time with friends with a glass of wine and some new music. During school breaks, Fritz loved to travel, often back to his native Hungary to visit family and friends he had left behind before immigrating. Known for his infectious smile and irrepressible good humor, Fritz was always quick with a joke, a funny story, or even a prank, making him a favorite of his students. Thomas is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his daughter, Jonathan, and his grandson Fritz II.

Obituary Example 2

Luz Marquez Noceda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and patriot. She left this world suddenly at the age of 58 on March 23rd, 2023. Born to Jorge and Marcela Marques on January 12th, 1965. Luz pursued her dreams to serve in the US military, joining the US Air Force where she served with distinction throughout both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. It was there that she met her husband, Martin Noceda. After leaving the military together, they had two children: Eleanora and Zari. Luz loved to cook, spending time in the kitchen to create delicious meals for not just her family but also her friends as well. A natural storyteller, she would enchant the neighborhood children, feeding them cookies after school as she told them folk tales from her childhood. Luz was an accomplished singer and filled her home with Latin music. Most of Luz's weekends were spent volunteering at the soup kitchen of her local church. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on March 26th, 2023, at the Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo on the corner of 97th Street and Avenue Q. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Iglesia soup kitchen on her behalf.

Understanding How to Write an Obituary

Many people who have just lost a loved one find themselves asking how to write an obituary and seeking well written examples. While the obituary examples above are simple and clear, you of course don't have to adhere to them exactly. In fact, it's entirely possible to approach obituary writing from a completely different angle if you think the deceased or their loved ones would appreciate it. The most relevant part of an obituary is that the information necessary is shared, such as the name of the individual who has passed, where and when any memorial ceremony might be, and some brief details of their life.

It's never going to be easy to write an obituary for someone you love after they have died, especially when you're completing other tasks on the checklist of things to do after a loved one passes. In such a case, it's always a good idea to ask for help from family and friends. Even your funeral director can help provide you with resources for writing a fitting obituary for your loved one, so remember that they're there for you as well.

If you find yourself in this position, please call us at 844-808-3310 with any questions you may have, or find one of our funeral homes near you. Our funeral planning experts have extensive experience in each stage of this process and provide personalized advice to help you and your family through difficult times.

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Obituary Examples

The obituary gives important details of the life of the deceased, and notifies the public of memorial or funeral service information.   If you have been tasked with writing an obituary, it can be a challenge to know where to start.  It often helps to read other obituaries to to get an idea of what you will write.  If you are unsure about what to include in an obituary, consult our article " How to Write an Obituary " for more information.  You can also view other Sample Obituaries on this website.  Here are a few obituary examples.

Obituary Example 1 -- Young Person

Brad Watson April 8th 1991 - April 10, 2011 Brad Watson, 20, of Suffolk passed away April 10, 2011 as a result of a long battle with leukemia. His friends and family were by his side when he drifted off to be with the Lord. He was born to Brenda and Jackson Watson of Suffolk Virginia on April 8th 1991. Brad went to Willoughby Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and Wilkerson High School for Science in Math in Suffolk. He was currently a senior at Regent University majoring in Biology. His greatest aspiration was to become a doctor and help people conflicted with leukemia. He was a member of the Student Council and created a student group for people with leukemia. Brad also wrote the health news column for Regent University Times, the school newspaper. He was dedicated to getting the word out about Leukemia along with other health issues. He also attended Friendship Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach. Brad is survived by his parents Brenda and Jackson Watson; his brother Koby Jackson and his sister Linda Jackson all of Suffolk. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Janet and Jerome Williams, of Virginia Beach; and his paternal grandparents, Joyce and Reggie Carter of Indianapolis. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Sharon Pittles of Suffolk and his close friend John Hillman of Virginia Beach and several loving aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Loveland Funeral Home in Virginia Beach. The funeral will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, April 18th at the funeral home; burial will follow at Shady Acres Cemetery in Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Obituary Example 2 -- Prominent Person

World Renowned Artist Randolph Liddon May, 11 1943 - April 23, 2011 Randolph Liddon 58, who was killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas on Wednesday, was one of the most prominent painter, sculptor and educator to grace the south east in more than five decades. Liddon was known for his artistic depictions of southern culture and life.  A native of Gastonia, N.C., Liddon entered Virginia Commonwealth University intending to be a scientist. He soon switched to art after being encouraged by art educator Reginald Whitman. "He was one of my brightest students and I remember one day he showed me some of his paintings. I was blown away. I told him that the world needed his art. He will be missed but his art will speak for him now", stated Whitman. After completing his undergraduate degree Liddon enrolled at Boston University and earned a Masters of Art and a Doctorate in Art Education. In 1990 he established the Art Department at Norfolk State University where he taught until his death. Across the nation Liddon left his artistic mark with more than 30 murals and over 100 paintings. His most talked about painting, "A Time Before Sunrise", still graces the walls of the White House. President Clinton bought the piece during his presidential tenure. In 2010 a retrospective collaboration of his work, "Randolph Liddon: A Beautiful Love," traveled to museums from Milan to the District of Columbia. He had pieces at local community galleries as well as the Smithsonian. Liddon was known to use several platforms to feature his art with an effort to reach people where they were. He often infused his work with intricate geometric patterns and African motifs, some of which were inspired by seven trips to Africa and the middle-east. During an interview about his "Randolph Liddon: A Beautiful Love" project he stated, "Art is about expressing love visually and I accepted this challenge as my life's true vocation. When you mix love and art and allow the two to bring people together then you have a wonderful thing. You have something magical. Randolph is survived by his wife Sadie Liddon; daughter Renee Liddon; his brother Jackson Liddon all of Norfolk, Va. He also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends, colleagues, and students who played very important roles in his life. His students have organized a memorial celebration of his life at noon tomorrow, April 25th at Brown Hall on the campus of Norfolk State University. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Love Hall Funeral Home in Norfolk, Virginia. The funeral will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, April 27th at the funeral home; burial will follow at Sweet Passages Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Randolph Liddon College Fund.

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Obituary Writing

An obituary typically contains a report of a recent death. It usually includes certain information about the deceased person and the upcoming memorial program . Typically, obituaries are included in a newspaper, and are basically written with the intention of informing the general public of the death of a significant person, or any resident of a certain area, along with a brief biography of such person. The media often prepares a prewritten obituary for significant and influential persons of a specific area even before their death.

Short Obituary Writing

Newspaper Obituary Outline

Obituary Writing Tips

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What Is Obituary Writing?

Free writing of obituary, in the simplest sense, is the act of writing an obituary. It is typically known as a commemoration of someone’s death.

An obituary can be written by a family member, a close relative, or a friend, often assisted by the funeral home, which they usually send to the media (usually newspapers or publications) for printing. Of course, such process can be applicable to anyone.

However, for most public figures, the media staff conducts a research of their lives and may write the obituary beforehand, which will be printed upon death.

Importance of an Obituary

An obituary (or writing one) can be painful to some, but because it contains a detailed but brief presentation of a deceased individual’s life, it can also be a way of remembering how such individual has lived over the short course of his/her life.

It is also one way for family members and friends to inform the public how the deceased individual shall be missed and remembered, and how his/her death pains them. With this, the general public will be able to sympathize with the family’s loss, at the very least.

Journalistic Obituary Writing

Sample Obituary Writing

Professional Obituary Sample Writing

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How to Write an Obituary

Writing an obituary, to most people, is a meaningful process.

It is the writer’s responsibility to write an obituary that will be able to reach the family members and friends of the deceased person, and of course the readers. Here are some tips on how to write an obituary.

• Read other obituaries. Doing such will provide you the idea on how to write an obituary for a friend or a relative. This will also provide you an idea on what to include in your composition.
• Write the announcement of death. This is to state the fact that the deceased has passed away, including the date and time of death.
• List down the information about the deceased. This includes a brief description and biography of the deceased, and the significant experiences in his/her life.
• Provide information on the funeral and memorial services.  This includes information regarding the funeral notice and memorial services, along with the burial, the address, date and time, and other necessary information.
• Include a list of surviving relatives. This is to provide a list of the people who means a lot to the deceased.
• Include additional information. Such information may vary depending on the writer’s discretion.
• Proofread. Before printing the obituary, recheck the information you provided for errors and accuracy. You can also ask someone else to proofread your work for you.

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Tyler Godfrey, Manhasset, NY. Obituary – Cause of Death : Manhasset, NY student Tyler Godfrey found deceased

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Tragedy struck the town of Manhasset, NY, and the University of South Carolina community as news of the death of Tyler Godfrey spread on Monday. The young man was found dead by suicide, leaving his family, friends, and classmates in shock and disbelief.

Tyler, a resident of Manhasset, NY, was a promising student at the University of South Carolina, where he was studying towards his degree. His untimely death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew him, as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of such a vibrant and talented individual.

The news of Tyler’s passing has sent ripples of sadness throughout both communities, with many expressing their condolences and sharing fond memories of the young man. A candlelight vigil is being planned in his honor, as loved ones come together to mourn his passing and celebrate his life.

While the details surrounding Tyler’s death remain unclear, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support. Suicide is a tragic and devastating outcome that affects far too many individuals, highlighting the need for increased resources and advocacy for those struggling with their mental well-being.

As the investigation into Tyler’s death continues, the focus remains on remembering the young man for the joy and light he brought into the lives of those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, as they carry his legacy forward with love and compassion.

The loss of Tyler Godfrey is a profound tragedy that has left a community in mourning. As they come together to grieve and remember, they are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of supporting one another through times of darkness. Tyler may be gone, but his spirit will forever remain alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Lake Orion Student Death 2024 : Obituary : One Died At Houston National Robotics Competition

School officials reported last week that a student from Lake Orion High School passed away while on a field trip to Texas.

In a statement sent to parents on Friday, Ben Kirby, superintendent of Lake Orion Community Schools, expressed his "deep regret" for the recent loss that had befallen the school community. Strange circumstances led to the unexpected death of one of our current high school pupils on Friday, April 19. The friends and relatives of the victims have our deepest sympathies and prayers.

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Lake Orion Mourns Loss of Student Who Died on Robotics Team Trip to Houston

(Oakland County Times, April 21, 2024)

Lake Orion, MI – An 11th grade student from Lake Orion High School died while on a trip to Houston. According to a message sent to parents from Principal Dan Hass, the student was attending the Robotics World Championship. “Our hearts are very heavy as we mourn this loss. Our Crisis Response Team met Sunday night so we will be ready to meet the needs of our students and staff Monday morning.”

The district has partnered with Care Solace to provide professional counselors. He added that “Now more than ever, we need to Protect the Thunder and take care of one another.”

Superintendent Ben Kirby shared a letter to families as well. “It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school,” Kirby wrote. “One of our current high school students suddenly passed away. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends.” The teen died April 19.

First Robotics Team 302 posted on their Facebook Page, stating “ This has been an incredibly challenging time for our team and community, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received. We are prioritizing the privacy of the family right now and will share more when it is appropriate. Thank you for all your understanding and support.”

This story is a work in progress and may be updated as more information is available.

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‘Write your own obituary’: Teacher fired for shooting-inspired assignment

The high school students who filed into psychology teacher Jeffrey Keene’s first-period class on Tuesday were greeted with a striking assignment: “TODAY WAS YOUR ‘LAST DAY’ ALIVE,” Keene’s instructions read in capital letters. “WRITE YOUR OWN OBITUARY.”

The prompt was one of several reflections Keene asked his 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to write on the topic of school shootings. They had been on Keene’s mind that morning, he told The Washington Post in an interview, between the recent Nashville school shooting and his school’s plans to hold an active-shooter drill that day.

“There are mass shootings everywhere, unfortunately,” Keene said. “So being the psychology teacher, I said, ‘I can tie this into a lesson plan.’”

Keene said the lesson, which he devised that morning, was meant to encourage his students in Orange County, Fla., to share their perceptions on the epidemic of gun violence in U.S. schools. Other questions asked students to write “what kind of ‘positive actions’” they could take to prevent mass shootings and how mass shootings “affected you as a person.” A note at the end of the assignment said it was “in no way intended to ‘upset/et al’ you!”

That afternoon, Keene was fired. A school administrator pulled him aside during the next period and told him that his assignment had caused several students to complain to their counselors, he said. He was asked to stop teaching his school shooting-inspired lesson plan. At the end of the day, Keene said school leadership asked that he either resign or be fired. Keene said he declined to resign, because he didn’t think he had done anything wrong.

Orange County Public Schools confirmed that Keene, a probationary employee at Dr. Phillips High School, was terminated after giving an “inappropriate assignment about school violence.”

Keene, who said he started teaching at Dr. Phillips in January, said the lesson fell in line with his usual philosophy of encouraging his students to “think for themselves” and to “find a positive solution” to issues. He said he had found success in previous lessons asking students to write reflections about their use of social media and thought he would take the same approach with his school shooting-inspired lesson plan.

“I said, ‘How can we fix this situation? How is it affecting you or isn’t affecting you?’” Keene said. “And that’s how I approached it. And I’m thinking to myself, ‘How in the world could that upset 16-, 17-, 18-year-old students?’”

Keene argued that his high school students should have been prepared to discuss the essay topics he presented, which he introduced at the top of the assignment by writing, “TODAY... WE HAVE AN ‘ACTIVE SHOOTER’ ON OUR CAMPUS.” Before introducing the prompts, he said he spoke to his students about the upcoming active-shooter drill and quizzed them about what to do in an active-shooter situation.

Keene also defended the wording of his assignment. He said after he showed his students the essay topics, he fielded questions from some students who were confused and explained to them that the prompt to write their own obituaries was intended to encourage them to evaluate their lives and accomplishments.

“It can be taken out of context, if you will,” Keene told The Post. “... I didn’t just say, ‘You’re going to die, so write your obituary, you’re going to die from an active shooter.’”

Keene said he was only aware of one student who expressed discomfort with the assignment in his first period. But the administrator who pulled Keene aside in the next period told him that his assignment had upset several students, he said. Keene said he apologized and taught a different lesson plan for the rest of the day. Near the end of the school day — just before Dr. Phillips High School carried out a brief active-shooter drill — Keene said he was called to the principal’s office and told his options.

In a social media post about his firing, Keene accused schools of putting “MORE EMPHASIS ON CENSORING & ENTITLEMENT” than preparing students for the world.

Orange County Public Schools investigated the incident and confirmed that Keene had violated school district standards, according to a letter from the school district that Keene shared on social media.

Keene maintains that he approached his lesson in an appropriate way.

“It’s unfortunate, but it is a world in which we live — we can’t ignore it,” Keene said. “So if you cannot speak to a young adult about it, what’s the best answer?”

He plans to appeal his termination, he said.

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Florida teacher fired for asking students to pen obituaries for active shooter drill

Jeffrey Keene says he has no regrets about the assignment, casting a spotlight on decisions made in state’s public education system

A Florida teacher who was fired from his school after asking his students to write their own obituaries in advance of an on-campus active shooter drill says he has no regrets about the assignment that cost him his job.

“It wasn’t to scare them or make them feel like they were going to die, but just to help them understand what’s important in their lives and how they want to move forward with their lives and how they want to pursue things in their journey,” the dismissed psychology teacher, Jeffrey Keene, told NBC News .

Keene’s dismissal once again has cast a spotlight on the persistently bizarre decisions within the public education system of Florida, which has banned discussions of gender and sexual identity in classrooms but whose Republican extremist governor, Ron DeSantis , staunchly supports keeping the guns which help fuel school shootings across the country as accessible as possible.

According to NBC, Keene learned that his 11th- and 12th-grade students at Dr Phillips high school in the Orlando area would be rehearsing how to respond to a shooting attack at their campus during their first period on 4 April. That prompted him to ask his students to write their own biographical obituaries as classwork, reasoning that the assignment would cause them to reflect on their lives as they prepared to undergo the active shooter drill.

“This isn’t a way to upset you or anything like that,” Keene recalled telling his class of 35 students. He added: “If you can’t talk real to them, then what’s happening in this environment?”

Just one week earlier, an intruder shot and killed three nine-year-old students as well as three staffers at Covenant elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee. Police shot and killed the intruder. The attack was one of more than 100 shootings at kindergarten through 12th-grade schools or during school-related activities in the US this year as of Saturday, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database resource .

The murders at Covenant also occurred during what as of Saturday was one of more than 140 mass shootings in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive , which defines a mass shooting as one in which at least four victims are wounded or killed.

It later became apparent that someone was upset by Keene’s assignment. By second period that day, Keene said some of his students revealed to him that they had been interviewed by school officials about the obituaries. And in the middle of seventh period, he was told that he’d been fired from his job, which he had started in January.

The public school district which oversees Dr Phillips high has largely declined to discuss the case. A spokesperson for the district only told NBC in a statement that an employee responsible for “an inappropriate assignment about school violence” had been fired.

Keene said to NBC that he was too new of a hire to qualify for membership to the local teachers’ union, so he had no administrative method available to seek reinstatement to his job. The school district’s statement also noted that Keene was still completing his post-hiring probation, implying that his dismissal could be implemented more swiftly than for a teacher who had finished the trial period.

Keene hopes to find another job in teaching and believes his assignment was appropriate, according to NBC.

“I don’t think I did anything incorrectly,” Keene told the network. “I honestly didn’t think a 16-, 17-, 18-year-old would be offended or upset by talking about something we’re already talking about.”

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The steady presence of mass shootings and violence at schools in US news headlines has moved many to call for more meaningful gun control, but Congress has been unable to pass anything substantial, even as schools acknowledge their vulnerability by making students practice what to do if heavily armed intruders barge onto their campuses and try to shoot them to death.

A bill passed by Congress and signed into law by Joe Biden last year expanded background checks for the youngest gun buyers and funded some mental health and violence intervention programs. But the president is among many who say much stronger measures are needed, including an assault weapons ban that Congress has been unable to pass.

Three days after the Nashville school murders and five days before Keene lost his job, Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature voted to allow gun owners to carry around their firearms without a state permit.

They did so at the behest of DeSantis, who has also successfully advocated for a legislative ban against classroom discussions of systemic racism, saying the concept joined learning about sexual and gender identity as some of the biggest threats to Florida’s schoolchildren.

Florida’s 22 million or so residents make it the country’s third-most populous state.

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Florida Teacher Fired After Having Students Write Obituaries Ahead of Active Shooter Drill

"If you can't talk real to [the students], then what's happening in this environment? In my mind, I've done nothing wrong," teacher Jeffrey Keene said

A Florida teacher was fired after he asked his class to write their own obituaries ahead of an active shooter drill on campus — an assignment which the Orange County School District called "inappropriate," according to several news sites.

Psychology teacher Jeffrey Keene told Fox 35 Orlando that he wanted to tie an upcoming active shooter drill at Dr. Phillips High School into a psychology lesson, and came up with the idea of having his 11th and 12th graders write their own obituaries.

"If they died 24 hours from now, what would they do differently than they did yesterday? And that's to get them to get rid of all the fluff and show them what's important in the world," Keene, 63, explained to the news station.

"It wasn't to say, 'You're going to die, and let's stress you out,'" he added, noting that he put a disclaimer at the bottom of the lesson saying that it was not meant to upset them.

Keene, who had been working as a teacher since 2008 and was hired by the high school in January, said he received a notice to end his employment by the Orange County School District soon after the assignment.

"When they said you have the option to resign without violating your contract, I said, 'I didn't do anything wrong,'" he told the outlet. "I said, 'If I did, tell me what it is.' They said, 'We can't do that.' I said, 'In that case, since I don't know what I did wrong, you can go ahead and terminate me without cause.' "

However, he told NBC News that he doesn't regret setting up the assignment.

"If you can't talk real to [the students], then what's happening in this environment?" Keene said. "In my mind, I've done nothing wrong."

RELATED VIDEO: Nashville Police Say Training 'Kicked in' amid Horror of School Shooting: 'Just Wanted to Save Kids'

The Orange County School District released a statement, per NBC News , that said: "Dr. Phillips High School families were informed that a teacher gave an inappropriate assignment about school violence. Administration immediately investigated and the probationary employee has been terminated."

PEOPLE has reached out to the Orange County School District, and has not yet received a response.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE 's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Keene told Fox 35 Orlando that he is planning to appeal the termination. He said that if he had the choice, he would do it all again.

"I don't think I did anything incorrectly," Keene told NBC News . "I know hindsight is 20/20, but I honestly didn't think a 16-, 17-, 18-year-old would be offended or upset by talking about something we're already talking about."

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Michigan student dies 'suddenly' on school trip to robotics competition in Texas

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach someone with  the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline . They're available 24 hours a day and provide services in multiple languages

A Michigan community is mourning after a student died suddenly while on a school trip to a robotics competition in Texas last week.

The student "suddenly passed away," Lake Orion High School confirmed with USA TODAY Tuesday, but did not identify the student. The school is located in Orion Township, about 40 miles north of Detroit.

"It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community," superintendent Ben Kirby said in a statement sent out to the student body on Friday, obtained by USA TODAY.

"Today, Friday, April 19, one of our current high school students suddenly passed away. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends," the statement continued.

Officials have not identified the student.

Student was attending Robotics World Championship

The school's principal, Dan Hass, informed parents that the student was attending the Robotics World Championship, according to reporting by the Oakland County Times .

“Our hearts are very heavy as we mourn this loss," Hass said, per the outlet. "We will be ready to meet the needs of our students and staff Monday morning.”

Kirby noted in the statement that Lake Orion High School and Lake Orion Community Schools have crisis teams that will be ready to "help with the needs of students and school personnel."

"We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to support our high school students through this tragedy," Kirby shared.

Authorities in Houston told USA TODAY a 16-year-old boy from Michigan died as a result of an apparent suicide Friday evening. 

The teen's official cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Harris County Coroner Coroner's Office.

Lake Orion High School Robotics team responds to tragedy

"This has been an incredibly challenging time for our team and community, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received," Lake Orion Robotics FIRST Team 302 shared in an Instagram post .

"We’re prioritizing the privacy of the family right now and will share more when it’s appropriate. Thank you all for your understanding and support."

Lake Orion High's robotics team was attending the FIRSTS robotics world championships in Houston, Texas that ran April 17 through April 20, according to the competition's website.

Support has poured in from other robotics teams across the country.

"Everyone on f(x) robotics sends their love and support to all @firstteam302 team members, their families, and the entire Lake Orion community as they get through this incredibly difficult time. #wearealldragons ," a North Carolina team wrote.

"4362 would like to extend our deepest condolences to all of the families, students, mentors, and coaches on @firstteam302 we our all here for you. #morethanrobots #wearealldragons ," wrote a Michigan team.

A West Virgina team said it is "grieved by the fact FIRST has lost a member of its community."

"This is a tragic time for everyone associated with team 302 and the FIRST community," an Idaho team shared.

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Texas substitute teacher fired after student puppet show depicts mass shooting

A puppet murder or death scene from a shakespearian play it’s not clear, but a teacher is out of a job..

By Sarah Bahari

5:18 PM on Apr 23, 2024 CDT

A Texas substitute teacher was fired after reportedly asking students to perform a puppet show depicting a mass shooting.

In a statement published to its website, the Hays Consolidated Independent School District said the teacher was suspended and removed from campus April 19 after students at Johnson High School expressed concerns about the in-class assignment.

Related: ‘Worse than COVID’: 41% fewer Texas students completed FAFSA this year

Details of the assignment still remain hazy, however.

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Students said the theater arts teacher assigned a puppet show in which at least one puppet was murdered, the district said. One group of students told administrators their puppet show involved a mass shooting, but it is not clear if that was the specific assignment or a scene created to meet the parameters of the assignment.

“Either way, assigning or allowing this type of performance, if proved to have occurred, would be disturbing and unacceptable conduct for an educator in Hays CISD,” the district said. “The school and the district apologize to the students and their parents for any distress this has caused and pledges to ensure that it does not happen again.”

Related: Conservation, indigenous groups sue Texas Parks and Wildlife to block SpaceX land swap

Even after district officials met with the teacher Monday, they said they are still unable to nail down details of the assignment. Hays CISD said it does not know whether the assignment called for the murder of a puppet or a death scene from a Shakespearian play.

The district said the unnamed teacher, hired in January, did not have nefarious intentions but will no longer be invited to work in the district.

Johnson High School is in Buda, about 20 miles south of Austin.

Related: Arlington nuns at center of fight file restraining order against Catholic officials

Sarah Bahari , Staff writer . Sarah Bahari is a trending news reporter. She previously worked as a writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, where she covered a bit of everything.

‘I just want my child’: 1 student dead, 1 in custody after shooting at Bowie High School

Dallas county judge declares mistrial in murder case, recuses herself over hot mic moment, dozens of ut protesters arrested during pro-palestine rally on the austin campus, arlington man gets 60-year sentence in kidnapping, sexual assault of 13-year-old girl, southwest airlines flight attendants land new contract with immediate 22% raise.

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Pilot who died last week in Indiana plane crash was Purdue student, authorities say

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LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — A pilot who died last week when a small plane crashed in northwest Indiana has been identified as a Purdue University student from Minnesota, authorities said Wednesday.

Alexander Foss, 20, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, was identified using DNA provided by relatives as the pilot who died in the April 11 plane crash, the Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office said.

Coroner Carrie Costello said her office, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration continue investigating the fatal crash.

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, friends, and the Purdue University community at this difficult time,” Costello said in a statement.

Foss was a junior who was majoring in aviation flight at Purdue, school spokesperson Tim Doty said.

He was flying a single-engine Piper PA-28 when it crashed on April 11, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The wreckage was found the next day in a field northwest of Lafayette, a city about 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of Indianapolis.

Foss had rented the aircraft from Purdue Aviation before taking off from Purdue University Airport, said Capt. John Ricks of the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office.

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Air Force student pilot struck, killed by train near Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas

Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas on May 22, 2022. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)

ATLANTA — An Air Force student pilot was killed last week when he was struck by a train in Del Rio, Texas, near Laughlin Air Force Base, where he was stationed, military and law enforcement officials said Monday.

Second Lt. James Chitika was found dead off base April 16 near railroad tracks in Del Rio, officials at Laughlin said in a news release. Chitika was struck by a train late that night, according to the Val Verde Sheriff’s Office.

Chitika, 24, was a 2022 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and was learning to fly jets at Laughlin with the 47th Flying Training Wing, according to the service. He was a native of Atlanta and is survived by his mother, father and sister, according to the Air Force.

“Our deepest condolences are with the Chitika family, classmates and friends of James during this difficult time,” Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, said in a prepared statement. “As we work through this tragedy, let’s focus on uplifting one another.”

The Val Verde Sheriff’s Office was continuing the investigation into Chitika’s death, Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez told Atlanta’s 11Alive television news on Saturday.

Martinez said Chitika had been seen walking along the train tracks before his death. He also said deputies found Chitika’s truck about 3 miles from where he died, according to the news station.

A Val Verde Sheriff’s Office official said Monday that the probe was ongoing, and no one was immediately available to discuss the incident.

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Student Protest Movement Could Cause a Tumultuous End to School Year

Protesters were arrested at the University of Minnesota and Yale, and the House speaker, Mike Johnson, said he would come to Columbia to speak to Jewish students about antisemitism on campuses.

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By Troy Closson

As a wave of pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses showed few signs of abating on Tuesday, the demonstrations have raised new questions about what shape the end of the semester may take for thousands of students across the United States.

At Columbia University, where the arrests of more than 100 protesters unleashed a flurry of national protests, students will have the option to attend their last week of lectures remotely for safety reasons. At the University of Texas at Austin, protesters announced plans to occupy a campus plaza and said that, at least for them, “class is canceled.”

And at the University of Michigan, administrators were already looking ahead and bracing for graduation. They set up designated areas for demonstrations, and agreed to “generally be patient with lawful disruptions.”

“Commencement ceremonies have been the site of free expression and peaceful protest for decades,” the university said in an online message, adding, “And they will likely continue to be.”

The steps are an acknowledgment that the last weeks of the spring could be among the most difficult for administrators at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities. On Tuesday, the campus police at the University of Minnesota took nine people into custody after they erected a protest encampment, following dozens of arrests at Yale and New York University.

Other demonstrations continue to emerge from coast to coast, including at the University of New Mexico and Emerson College. At California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, students took over a campus building, and barricaded the exits with chairs and trash bins.

The pro-Palestinian student movement has disrupted campus life, especially for Jewish students. Many have said they no longer feel safe in their classrooms or on university quads as the tone of protests at times has become threatening. Speaker Mike Johnson said he would meet with Jewish students at Columbia University on Wednesday and give remarks about the “troubling rise of virulent antisemitism on America’s college campuses,” according to a news release.

At the same time, many school leaders may face the possibility of graduation ceremonies transforming into high-profile stages of protest over the war in Gaza.

No matter how administrators approach these final weeks, the stakes are uniquely high for students who are graduating. Many graduated from high school in the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, and never walked across the stage or celebrated alongside their classmates.

The tumult on campuses escalated after Columbia’s administration called in the police last week to arrest student protesters who had organized a large encampment on a school lawn and refused to leave.

At the New School in Manhattan, where protesters have set up tents inside a school lobby, a couple dozen students formed a picket line on Tuesday as they chanted to the beat of a drum. When one student was asked how long protesters intended to continue the demonstrations, she said there was no immediate end in sight.

“We’re demanding something,” said the student, Skylar Schiltz-Rouse, a freshman who joined the protest on Monday. “So if it doesn’t happen, we’re going to have to keep going.”

It was not yet apparent whether the turmoil at schools would prompt additional arrests, or whether college leaders would adopt a less aggressive playbook as the semester winds down.

Many administrators, watching the uproar at Columbia, seem to be choosing other strategies to handle the protests. Several universities, including Harvard and schools in the California State University system, have shut down parts of their campuses in an effort to avoid major clashes and conclude the school year quietly.

“What you’re seeing is an inability to find spaces for dialogue and conversation and understanding,” said Benjie Kaplan, the executive director of Minnesota Hillel, a Jewish student group.

After school leaders often inflamed unrest with their initial responses, some have begun to hit the brakes.

At Barnard College, Columbia’s affiliate school, many student protesters had received interim suspensions for last week’s tent demonstration. But in a Monday night email, the school’s president, Laura Ann Rosenbury, extended an olive branch.

The school would lift most of the suspensions and restore students’ access to campus, she said, as long as they promised to follow the rules. Those who still face discipline would have access to hot meals, mental health counseling and academic support. And with a professor’s permission, they could also finish out the semester virtually.

“I strongly believe that exposure to uncomfortable ideas is a vital component of education, and I applaud the boldness of all of our students who speak out,” Ms. Rosenbury said in the email, her first message since the arrests of protesters on Columbia’s campus last week, several of whom were Barnard students.

“But,” she said, “no student should fear for their safety while at Barnard.”

She added: “In these last few weeks together before our seniors graduate, let’s be good to one another.”

Some pro-Palestinian students, though, may regard commencement as an opportunity.

Protesters at many schools have vowed to press on until their universities divest from companies with ties to Israel, often chanting “We will not stop. We will not rest.” Administrators are on high alert for demonstrations or threats, as tens of thousands of families travel to campuses in May and June to attend graduations.

Dagmar Michelson, a senior at the New School, was unsure if protests were planned for the university’s May 17 ceremonies. But if they are, she added, she would not be upset.

“It’ll be nice for those who haven’t recognized their privilege,” she said.

Earlier this month, the University of Southern California cited security concerns when it canceled a speech by its valedictorian , a first-generation Muslim student who questioned the university’s explanation. The school later said it would also not host outside honorees.

Already, students have organized demonstrations meant to disrupt cherished college traditions.

At Michigan, several dozen protesters took over a celebration for honors students last month, waving signs that read “Divest Now” and interrupting a speech by the university’s president, Santa J. Ono, according to The Michigan Daily .

“Protest is valued and protected,” Dr. Ono said in a statement after the event. “Disruptions are not.”

Shira Goodman, the senior director of advocacy at the Anti-Defamation League, said the disturbance at Michigan “may unfortunately be a harbinger for what’s to come.”

The group is concerned about the potential of harassment or “identity-based hostility” toward Jewish families at graduation ceremonies. “We remain deeply concerned,” Ms. Goodman said in a statement.

Some colleges are now stepping in to promise Jewish students a safe haven. Brandeis, a historically Jewish university in Massachusetts, said this week that it would extend its deadline for transfer applications in response to campus protests.

The president, Ronald D. Liebowitz, said the school would provide an environment “free of harassment and Jew-hatred.”

Other schools have had little time to look ahead to the future as they reel from the last few days.

At N.Y.U., where at least 120 people were arrested on Monday night after refusing to vacate a plaza, several students said on Tuesday that they would continue to voice support for Palestinians, and were unconcerned that their protest activities might upend final essays and assignments.

The university had said it turned to the police because “disorderly, disruptive and antagonizing behavior” of protesters created safety concerns. But on Tuesday, a professional faculty organization shot back.

The school’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors called “much of their account” false, referring to the administration, and criticized the decision to call the police as an “egregious overstep.”

And at Columbia, the university’s president, Nemat Shafik, is facing the threat of a formal censure resolution from the school’s faculty for her handling of demonstrations. Many Republican lawmakers are also still calling for her resignation, arguing that the school has failed to safeguard its Jewish students.

The decision to offer hybrid classes at Columbia seemed to be a tacit acknowledgment that many students were, at the very least, uncomfortable there. Many are expected to log on from their dorms and apartments. Others might attend from a large protest encampment that remained in the center of campus.

Along with the demonstration, occasional outbursts at rallies have occurred outside the campus’s gates over the past several days. But otherwise, Columbia has been quiet during what is typically a bustling final week of the semester.

Angela V. Olinto, the university provost, said in an email on Monday night that if even one student wanted to finish out the year online, professors should offer hybrid classes — or move to fully remote if that was not an option.

“Safety is our highest priority,” Dr. Olinto said.

Maia Coleman , Eliza Fawcett , Colbi Edmonds , Jose Quezada , Ernesto Londoño , Kaja Andric , Coral Murphy Marcos , Dana Goldstein , Karla Marie Sanford and Stephanie Saul contributed reporting.

Troy Closson reports on K-12 schools in New York City for The Times. More about Troy Closson

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Nerina Morocco 1954-2024

LOWELLVILLE — Nerina Morocco, 69, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Hospice House in Poland.

Nerina was born Dec. 10, 1954, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Felix and Virginia Testa Iudiciani. She worked as a hairdresser for several years and ultimately retired from Republic Services.

She was a member of Holy Rosary Church and was past president of the Ladies Mount Carmel Society. She enjoyed activities such as bocce, playing cards and the slot machines. She never missed a chance to support her nieces and nephews at their sporting events, demonstrating her deep love for her family. Taking her beloved dog, Sadie, for rides in the car was one of her cherished pastimes.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter, Patti (Jason); stepdaughter, Carrie Ann; step-grandchild, Georgia; her siblings, Pete (Suzanne), Joann (Van), Tony (Terri), Marie (Edward), Robert and Angela (Walt); brother-in-law, Pat; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Helen; and her beloved canine companion, Sadie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John; sisters-in-law, Kim and Mary Jane; brother-in-law, Bill and his wife, Mary Ellen, and Bob.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff of Maplecrest Nursing Home, Mercy Health Main and Hospice House for their compassionate care of Nerina in her time of need.

Friends will be received 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Lowellville, followed immediately by a funeral celebration beginning at 1 p.m.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.

(special notice)