BELTSVILLE, Md: (Reform Sasscer) — High Point High School is mourning the loss of one of their teachers Thursday.

Social Studies Teacher Cheryl Mitchell was working late Wednesday night in the school preparing for the week ahead, her principal says. It’s an example of the kind of teacher she was.

“A dedicated teacher, invested in the lives of the school community always wanted to make sure there was a great deal of balance and equity and inclusion,” said Principal Dr. Lori Taylor.

Prince George’s County Police were called to the school on Powder Mill Road around 7:15 p.m. for a report of an unresponsive woman.

Mitchell, a popular teacher at the school, was found deceased of natural causes in her classroom, according to a Prince George’s County Public Schools spokesperson.

Dr. Taylor said the High Point community has been devastated by the news.

“My heart is heavy today. Its sad most of all sad for the community, the students of high point because she was a star amongst us,” said Jesse Belarde, head of the High Point Social Studies department.

Belarde said even though Mitchell had been at High Point for just a year she was already known for using her own life stories to reach students. Belarde says, “Today we lost an amazing educator. She was one who connected with students through her love for learning.”

The 57-year-old teacher was known as a strong student advocate who respected and supported diversity.

The school is offering counseling to students and also encouraging them to express their thoughts in writing or art on Ms. Mitchell’s classroom door.

“It’s one way to get out what they’re feeling on the inside,” said Dr. Taylor.

At the moment, most teachers are under stress due to covid-19 pandemic.

Read more >>> More Kids are ditching school, and fewer – enrolled in Md. classrooms.

***