Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Russell Sr. arrived in Los Angeles from Atlanta and made their first ever visit to LACHSA this afternoon. They were accompanied by their son and daughter-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Russell Sr. possess such presence, strength, and grace it was evident upon meeting them that Dallas Russell was their child.
Although they remarked that they wished their first visit to Dallas' school was under more pleasant circumstances, they were visibly moved and appreciative of the many student tributes to Mr. Russell. Standing in his son's classroom, Mr. Russell Sr. and his family shared memories of the larger-than-life Mr. Russell, our champion. The memories were varied and filled with emotion, but they all underscored Mr. Russell's singular passion: LACHSA and "his" kids.
He would engage in marathon conversations, they reflected, always about his students and his school. He would refer to them by their given names and by the names he created for them--his words filled with joy, hope, and love.
The Russell family is planning a memorial service in Atlanta, Georgia in the coming weeks. Mr. Russell will be cremated shortly thereafter and his remains will be scattered in the cemetery hosting his grandparents in North Carolina. They want the LACHSA community to remember Mr. Russell's life and legacy and thus, have chosen not to share details surrounding his death.
I would like to express my gratitude to all of the faculty, staff, students, and families for their unyielding support of one another. The days ahead will not be easy, but I know we will endure.
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