A memorial service will be held in the honor of longtime Sweetwater High School music and arts teacher Laura Charles on Saturday, March 10, at the First Baptist Church of National City, 635 E. Seventh St., in National City.
Services begin at 11 a.m.
Charles, who taught at the National City school for 46 years, passed away last month.
When news of her death spread throughout the community on Feb. 23, a memorial created by current and former students quickly sprang up in front of the campus theater named in her honor.
Originally a graduate of Hilltop High School, Charles taught history, English, drama, and served as band director and show choir director during her long tenure at Sweetwater High School.
She was an inspiration to thousands of people, according to National City Mayor Ron Morrison, and is fondly remembered by students and colleagues alike.
“She loved music,” explained Sweetwater High School junior Joshua Anonuevo, a member of the school’s show choir. “Every time we performed we would point to her and she’d twirl her braids. She told us that no matter where she’d be that she’d always love us.
“She has left a legacy.”
Current Bonita Vista High School principal Roman Del Rosario served as principal at Sweetwater High School from 2010-14 during which he worked alongside Charles.
“She was the person on campus that when I had a difficult decision to make who I would go to,” he said. “She would listen. She never told me what to do but after talking to her I knew what to do.
“It is said that the lamp burns bright at Sweetwater High School. I called her the keeper of the flame.”
Charles received the ultimate honor by having the school’s new theater building named in her honor in 2012. She was the recipient of the NBC/7 Inspirational Teacher of the Month Award in 2013.
Sweetwater High School will hold a celebration of life for Charles on April 21 at 2 p.m. in the new gymnasium on campus.
