A family of four passed away on Christmas Day in New Hampshire due to apparent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Among them was Valerie Goldstein, a beloved 22-year-old fifth grade teacher at Baskerville Elementary in Edgecombe County.
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She worked at the school just for four months but those who knew her say even in that short time – she built a legacy that will last forever.
“She was a jewel in the field of education,” Brandan Lucas, Baskerville Elementary Principal said.
Known as “Miss Goldstein” to her students, Valerie was a Teach for America Fellow teaching English and Social Studies.
Lucas says it is an especially tough loss and comes just months after one of Goldstein’s students passed away in the Fall.
"You could hear the drive she had for education when she was interviewing," Lucas said. "It became very apparent that that drive was a part of who she was when she came here. We were nothing but amazed at the success she had the relationship she built with her students."
Lucas says she always went above and beyond, even going to students’ sporting events to support them.
“She had big plans,” he said.
Her classroom reflected her vibrant spirit, a bright pink door and walls adorned with notes of encouragement.
Principal Lucas shared that she had dreams of working in education policy but chose to start her career teaching to make a direct impact on students.
Goldstein was a native of New England and a graduate of Syracuse University.
A former professor at Syracuse said Goldstein was well on her way to achieving success.
“She was a huge talent, but more than that I called her an angel,” Bill Coplin, former professor said.
Coplin said Goldstein was the best and brightest teaching assistant he’s ever had.
"The other thing about her that was unbelievable was how all her peers loved her and followed her," Coplin said. "I have a lot of hot shot students and I’d say, ‘Well Valerie is smarter than you are.’ And they’d say, ‘Yeah, we know!”
Her loss is deeply felt by the Baskerville Elementary community and beyond.
"Her integrity and commitment to do the right thing was beyond most students and people," Coplin said. "That's what made her special."
When students return Monday, the administration says grief counselors will be available and Goldstein’s class will be temporarily covered by a long-time sub.