As we grieve with our friends in Parkland who suffered the unspeakable tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we sadly acknowledge the tragic loss of a former member of the Pine Crest community, Scott Beigel. Mr. Beigel, a former Pine Crest faculty member, was a geography teacher and cross-country coach at Stoneman Douglas. Soon to be married, he was shot and killed on Valentine’s Day as he sacrificed himself to shield his students from the gunman.

In addition to his teaching and coaching skills, Mr. Beigel, 35, was also a beloved camp counselor.

“He was a diehard camper who loved camp so much and was the counselor that everyone loved, ” said junior Natalie Klar. She noted that although he only worked at Pine Crest for a year, “Everyone loved him. He was so nice.”

Junior Arielle Ghiloni fondly remembered Mr. Beigel and his word games as one of the favorite parts of her lower school days.

Junior Ben Stahl said, “Mr.  Beigel was an amazing teacher.  He was funny, caring, and when one was having difficulty, was always there to help you, with a big smile on his face and a funny joke to cheer you up.”

“His positivity would always radiate everywhere, whether it [was during] recess or in the classroom,” noted junior Alexandra Giorno.

Junior Jenni Wolters said of Mr. Beigel, “He was one of the nicest, sweetest teachers and you knew that he cared about everyone.  He would always make some comment that made everyone in the room laugh.  I will miss Mr. Beigel.”

“Mr. Beigel was kind and supportive, and he really helped me fit in during fifth grade, my first year at Pine Crest,” said junior Zia Pirani.

Junior Jessi Gross added, “Mr. Beigel always had a way of making people smile.  His positive attitude and sense of humor will be missed.”

Teacher, coach, and counselor, Mr. Beigel was universally admired and adored; he will be sorely missed.