Denair school holds candlelight vigil in honor of teacher who died

Hundreds of students, teachers and community members gathered on the playground at Denair Elementary Charter Academy Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil in memory of Mark Selee.

The popular fourth-grade teacher died Nov. 22 of an apparent heart attack.

Many in attendance wore bright yellow T-shirts proclaiming, “Mr. Selee. Forever In Our Hearts!” The walkway from the parking lot to the playground was lined with luminaries decorated by fourth- and fifth-graders.

The playground was chosen because it’s where Selee often played basketball with students, DECA Principal Sara Michelena said.

“It was beautiful. Perfect,” said Michelena.

Bill Morrissey, husband of teacher Patti Morrissey, played guitar in the background. A nearby table was full of photos of Selee and his students. After Michelena welcomed the group, Ashley Eudy sang “Amazing Grace.” During the song, the candles of nearly 500 mourners were lit one by one.

Pastor Dave Larson of the New Life Church in Turlock said a prayer. The church is where Selee’s funeral was held Friday.

Then all 26 students from Selee’s class offered personal reflections. They recalled that he often was funny, that he loved 1980s rock music and the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, and that he hated glitter.

Two members of the Turlock Sea Dogs Swim Team, which Selee helped coach, spoke, followed by three of his DECA colleagues who knew him best – Morrissey, Tami Sondeno and Kirsten Sweeten.

Beth Selee thanked the crowd and said her husband loved his school community. Standing by her were sons Alex and Peyton, and Selee’s parents, Ruth and Bill Selee.

Thursday morning before class, Selee’s students released hundreds of balloons in his memory. In their classroom, a Christmas tree is decorated with ornaments remembering Selee. New teacher Mary Prine – a frequent substitute whose two children attend DECA – has taken over Selee’s class for the remainder of the school year.

School counselor Maria Yakoub has been a frequent visitor in class this week, working with children individually and in small groups. Grief counselors from Jessica’s House and the Turlock Chaplains group also have been on campus for students and staff.

This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Denair school holds candlelight vigil in honor of teacher who died."