Beloved South Mecklenburg High teacher succumbs to pancreatic cancer
CHARLOTTE, N.C – A much-loved teacher from South Mecklenburg High School, Jerry Duncan, has unfortunately passed away after a challenging battle with pancreatic cancer, as per a spokesperson from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Duncan had been an integral member of the South Mecklenburg High teaching staff, where he devoted 16 years to teaching English and influencing young minds. Additionally, he was instrumental in steering the youth towards constructive pathways as part of the Rise2Impact organization.
Rise2Impact and Duncan’s Impact
Duncan played a vital role in Rise2Impact, a program dedicated to providing community volunteering opportunities and mentorship programs to students. This program aims to equip students with experiences to pave their path toward success after high school.
Duncan shared, “About 60% of participants in the program go on to college or trade schools, while the away choose to enter the workforce immediately.” To date, the program has benefitted 250 underprivileged young men from the community.
A teacher, a mentor, and a community pillar
Duncan’s colleagues and students alike sang praises of his dedication and hard work. Duncan was renowned for seeking out students requiring guidance and imparting them purpose. “He goes out, and he finds students who are looking for direction and helps to provide them with a purpose,” asserted Marc Angerer, South Mecklenburg Principal.
Duncan’s recent win of the station’s Back to School Shopping Spree added another feather to his cap. His selfless nature was evident in his decision to channel the $1000 prize towards supporting students in need.
A loss mourned by many
The news of Duncan’s untimely demise following his stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis sent shock waves across the educational fraternity. South Mecklenburg High School sent the following heartfelt message to its students and their families post Duncan’s passing:
“It is with a great deal of sadness that we inform you. Death can be difficult for us to understand. We may feel a variety of emotions: shock, overwhelming sadness, or confusion. Staff may reach out to EAP for assistance. For those students who are in Mr. Duncan’s classes, we will follow up with you on how teaching and learning will continue in his classes.”
Counseling services and school psychologists have been made available to help students navigate through the grief and loss, and to process the news. Remembering Duncan’s indelible impact on the school and its students, tributes have been pouring in from every corner of the community. The family is yet to share any details regarding memorials or ways to honor Mr. Duncan’s memory.
As the South Meck school family and the community mourn the loss of their beloved teacher, they find solace in believing that his legacy will live on in the countless lives he had touched.
