COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Two Cobb County communities are sharing their connection to Erin West.
West was a teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin where a student began shooting Monday. The gunfire killed West and a student, Rubi Vergara.
“My heart goes out to the families and friends that have been affected,” said Keturah Washington.
Washington is working on her education degree at Kennesaw State University, and she learned Thursday that West was an alumna there.
West earned her degree in Early Childhood Development in 2005.
A KSU spokesperson sent Channel 2 Action News a statement that said:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Erin West, a KSU alumna whose life was taken far too soon in an act of senseless violence. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who are mourning this unimaginable tragedy.”
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“It breaks my heart,” Washington told Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco.
West’s Harrison High School family said the same.
Former classmate Tara LaPorte shared an old photo from the ‘90s with Francisco of West.
LaPorte said West graduated from HHS in 2000.
“Erin loved the Lord, her husband, and her girls. She was a precious soul, cared about everyone, lived like Jesus, with kindness, compassion, and empathy,” LaPorte said. “She would reach out if she thought anyone was having a tough time or a bad day to provide encouragement or prayers for them. This is a horrible, awful tragedy.”
Future teachers at KSU said legacies like that motivate them to keep working despite the dangers of the job. ,
“It makes me even more passionate to keep moving forward,” Washington said. “I want to make a difference.”
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