Students use prom money to honor late teacher

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Local high schools have used their prom money to put on a memorial service to honor their teacher who was killed in the Taunton rampage.

George Heath was a teacher at Greater New Bedford Vocational Tech before was killed in the stabbing attack.

On the last day of school, students lined the football field for the ceremony in Heath's honor. The seniors used their prom money for the memorial.

"We all just got together and said he deserves so much more so we decided to do this and get everyone together for it," said Abbi-Lynn Gilchrest, a senior.

"It's nice to try to get some closure. Of course we're never going to fully heal from this but it's nice to have some closure for him and for his family," said MacKenzie Sampson, a senior.

One by one, students went over and hugged Heath's widow, Rosemary, who was also at the ceremony. She  released a dove into the sky.

"I can honestly say the reason I smile is because of the students in this school," said Rosemary.

The school also planted a cherry tree in its courtyard for Heath. It was his favorite.

Cox Media Group