Hundreds of young Rattlers gathered to mourn the death of a beloved teacher, Eileen S. Warner, on Friday at Florida A&M University Developmental and Research School. Students and faculty held a balloon release ceremony to remember Warner, who died in a car accident in early June.
The service was held on what would have been Warner’s 55th birthday. Principal Belle McGlockton, Warner’s sister from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, said Warner had been dedicated to the children.
“She was an outstanding teacher who went above and beyond the call of duty to make certain that she provides a quality education to all her students,” McGlockton said.
Warner was the longest standing faculty member. She taught for 32 years at FAMU DRS. Warner was involved in extracurricular activities that built relationships with students.
“She was well known and respected by students on campus,” FAMU Student Government Association’s Kindee Webster said. “Respect is something she installed in each and every one of us. In my generation, it’s very hard to instill respect to all adults amongst children, but she did it. And we didn’t disrespect her and really didn’t disrespect anybody else.”
Close family, friends and alumni attended the gathering. Alumni and staff members released orange and green balloons to represent Warner and her contribution to teaching at FAMU DRS. Pink balloons were released by her sorority. Warner’s husband and daughter each released a white balloon for her family.
Husband Mike Warner was amazed to see so much support from alumni.
“I think she made heck of an impact. Alumni came back. She expected a lot out her students and they ended up being successful. I’m going to miss her laughter and great personality,” Mike Warner said.
Warner was an english and journalism teacher, yearbook chairman, senior advisor, and Saturday morning tutor. Warner was also well-known for her contributions to the Bethel AME Church.
Some people wore shirts with a quote that Warner used a lot throughout her years as a teacher. The shirt said, “Attitude determines how well anything is done.”