By Alicia Diaz
News Editor
Photos courtesy of Erin Swanson and HR Imaging

Special education teacher Christa Wunderlich remembers her by the nickname “Honey
Child.”  Senior Tim Gibbas remembers her as “Black Mysterio,” the star of his original comic book series. 

Throughout this week, students and staff members have continued to celebrate the life of special education teacher Christa Lesure following her passing. Lesure passed away during her sleep the night of Sept. 14.

“She was our common thread. She was the one that could bring everyone together for different reasons, and she cared for our transition team students like they were her own,” Wunderlich said.

With her students, Lesure was fun-loving and always full of energy. Although she had no children, her students and fellow staff members were like a family to her.

“For anyone that knew her, she was just full of life,” special education teacher Angela Williams said.

“I’m going to miss her doing my hair and makeup in the mornings,” senior Iyana Harmon said.

Her senior special education students, who have had the pleasure of knowing her all four years of their high school careers, recall their favorite memories with her as telling jokes, singing One Direction and Taylor Swift, and always teasing.

“I think it’s starting to sink in with her kids that even though she’s not around, they can still have fun,” junior Lisa Harrington said.

Lesure worked as a teaching assistant in District 204 for 14 years, building powerful relationships along the way. She had a passion for the school’s environment and was always the first to go full out for spirit days and to volunteer as a chaperone for homecoming and prom.

“Her impact here was unlike anyone else. She was larger than life,” Wunderlich added.

The positive footprint Lesure left on the Metea community will continue to shape the lives of her students and fellow teachers.

“She will always be one of us,” Gibbas said.