The community of Princeton, Ohio, is mourning the tragic loss of two beloved teachers from Princeton Community Middle School, who both passed away within a day of each other. Carlee Bongiorno and Justin Randle were cherished figures in the school community, and their deaths have left residents heartbroken.
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Carlee Bongiorno, who taught STEM subjects, died on 15 July, followed closely by Randle, a paraprofessional and coach, who passed on 16 July. The news was shared in statements from Mari Phillips, the superintendent of Princeton City Schools. Bongiorno dedicated 19 years to education and was particularly noted for her ability to forge meaningful connections with her students. The school district’s tribute described her as someone driven by a deep passion for music and an unwavering commitment to kindness.
Bongiorno is survived by her husband Robert, and her children, Arianna and Austin, as detailed in her obituary. In addition to her roles at Princeton, she also contributed to the Great Oaks vocational school, which has also paid tribute to her lasting impact on both students and the local community. “She will be greatly missed by Great Oaks, the Princeton community, and of course, her many students,” the organisation said.
Justin Randle, described as a “child whisperer” by one community member, was celebrated for the warmth and encouragement he offered students. His influence extended well beyond the classroom; the school district noted that Randle’s mentorship made children feel valued and capable of achieving success in life. “Mr. Randle’s impact on Princeton goes well beyond the classroom,” the tribute read. “He made students feel seen, valued, and capable of life success—a legacy that will remain with his students for years to come.”
The emotional toll of losing such admired educators has prompted local organisations, including the non-profit Talbert House and MindPeace, to provide counselling services for students and staff grieving the losses. The support was available for three days following the announcements, underscoring the profound effect these teachers had on their community.
Many in the community have taken to social media to share memories and express their grief. Fundraising efforts have been initiated to assist Bongiorno’s family in the wake of their tragic loss. A GoFundMe page was created, where her husband described the family’s heartbreak and the immense impact Carlee had on the lives of her students. “Carlee touched so many lives through her teaching, her music, and her kindness,” he wrote. “She was always there for her students, offering encouragement and guidance…”
Comments from community members reflected the love and admiration for both teachers. One person recalled, “Carlee had an unmatched love for and devotion to her students. If you were ever in her classroom, the first thing you would notice was how all students were drawn to her and had fun engaging in learning.” Another parent shared how her daughter had received support and comfort from Bongiorno during difficult times, further highlighting the teacher’s nurturing spirit.
As for Randle, tributes flowed in describing him as an exemplary mentor and friend to many young people. “Justin was the type of mentor you would want in your child’s life,” one individual noted. The overwhelming sentiment from all quarters of Princeton is a recognition of the extraordinary legacies left behind by these two dedicated educators.
The untimely departures of Bongiorno and Randle have not only created a void at Princeton Community Middle School but have also ultimately united a community in grief. Their commitment to education and the genuine care they showed to their students will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated for years to come. As Princeton grapples with this devastating loss, the values of compassion, mentorship, and the joy of learning that they embodied will live on in the hearts of those they touched.