Jean Kuczka

Teacher Jean Kuczka was killed by 19-year-old Orlando Harris in a classroom at Central Visual and Performing Arts and Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience near Tower Grove Park. Harris, a former student, burst into the school and fatally shot Kuczka and student Alexzandria Bell, 15. Seven others were injured. Police stormed the school building within minutes, confronting and killing Harris in a third-floor classroom. Kuczka's family was told that Kuczka was shot as she stood between the gunman and her students to protect them. Kuczka, 61, of Jefferson County, had taught health, personal finance and physical education since coming to Central VPA in 2008, according to her school biography. Glenn Barnes, an employee at St. Louis Public Schools, called Kuczka “an amazing educator” who made a difference in her community.