Local

Local teacher in need of support after husband dies in motorcycle crash

, Fla. — Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It takes patience and passion and although the students may not always understand it, their educators are the exception.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The students at the Best Memories Academy are thankful for their fearless leader, Mariel Calvente.

Owner and director Lyana Vazquez said Calvente has dedicated so much to helping the school community over the years.

“If we support the family and make sure that they have what they need, their children are going to be successful,” Vazquez said.

READ: New program allows Osceola County class of 2022 to attend Valencia, Osceola Technical colleges free

She offers literacy classes, language resources and so much for families who move to Central Florida from Puerto Rico, Cuba or wherever and need a hand getting started.

Calvente has helped hundreds along the way and needs support and strength in return.

Calvente’s husband died in a motorcycle crash recently. His two young kids are now without a dad.

Calvente has been in Puerto Rico, their homeland, where she laid him to rest.

READ: State rejecting dozens of math books leaves 1 option for K-5 students

“She is going to get the services that she needs for her, for her children and her family,” Vazquez said.

The students and their loved ones at the Best Memories Academy have been offering what they can to Calvente.

Healing will be hard, but the community is there to wrap their arms around her.

READ: National Teacher of the Year honored in White House ceremony

There is a GoFundMe set up to help the family.

If you’re interested in pitching in, you can find a link here.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.