A Celebration of Life and Legacy
Family, friends, former colleagues, and students gathered at Marion Franklin High School on Monday night for a heartfelt balloon release in memory of Rachel Prince, a 46-year-old art teacher who was tragically killed over a week ago. The event served as a touching tribute to her life and the profound impact she had on those around her.
According to Columbus police, Rachel’s boyfriend, Jason Palmer, 37, is accused of strangling her to death. He has since been charged with her murder. Despite the tragedy, the memorial highlighted the deep influence Rachel had on countless lives throughout her 20-year teaching career, which spanned both Baltimore, Maryland, and Columbus.
“We had no idea of the extent that Rachel deeply affected and changed the lives of people,” said John Stock, Rachel’s uncle, who attended the gathering along with other family members. “It’s truly overwhelming.”
Rachel began her teaching career in Baltimore, where she spent 10 years before returning to Columbus approximately 10 years ago. She continued her work in education, spending the last two years at Marion Franklin High School. Her dedication to teaching and her students made her a beloved figure in the community.
The memorial brought together attendees from across Rachel’s professional network, including a former coworker who traveled specifically for the vigil held over the weekend. Many current and former students were also present, showing their support and sharing their memories of her.
“This really broke me when I first heard about what happened,” said one former student. “She was the first one to always check up on me.” For many, Rachel was more than just a teacher — she was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding presence in their lives.
Stock was particularly moved by the diverse group of people who came to honor Rachel’s memory. “To have students come back, having been out five, six, seven years for a teacher they had for a year or two, that’s special,” he said. “Teenage boys, young men in their 20s, standing up there with tears running down their faces. They probably hadn’t seen her in years… but she meant that much.”
The family attended several memorials held over the weekend and continues to be overwhelmed by the stories of Rachel’s influence on others’ lives. Stock described his niece’s defining characteristics as her kindness and accepting spirit. “When you interacted with Rachel, you got her heart,” he said. “She’s changed who we are, how we view the world, and how important it is to cherish people when they’re here.”
The balloon release was a symbolic tribute to Rachel’s enduring legacy. “The rising balloons is just a beautiful symbol of Rachel’s spirit rising to a different sphere, if you will, a different level, but it will never be forgotten here. We’ll never forget her,” Stock said.
Rachel leaves behind two children, and her family hopes her legacy will continue through them as well as the countless students and friends whose lives she touched. Her impact on the world will not be easily forgotten, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she inspired.
