Students coming together to help in search for missing pregnant Md. high school teacher
WASHINGTON - The students of a missing Maryland teacher are doing everything they can to help find her.
It is clear Laura Wallen is a unique teacher who was able to reach her students on a personal level. Many of them even credit her for getting them through graduation and tough times at home. That is why they say they feel compelled to help in the search anyway they can.
Lindsay Murray made a heartfelt video in her Towson University dorm room for her former high school teacher she says she will never forget.
"I'm doing everything I possibly can as well as so many other friends and family just to simply get the word out," Murray said. "We care about her so much and we miss her, and if there is a chance she might see that how much we love and miss her and care about her, then maybe she can come home."
Wilde Lake High School students, past and present, have been in a state of shock since Wallen disappeared. But they have been mobilizing search efforts online by creating a hashtag, #BringWallenHome, to share the latest information and even organizing search groups on the ground to post missing flyers.
Murray hopes her video will only help.
"Ms. Wallen is someone who really established a connection with her students and I am sure you can see by the hashtag and all the support online and social media and the search, we are trying to do everything in our physical power to find her," she said. "We know that if it was one of us missing, that she would be right out there."
Police say the 31-year-old Olney woman sent a troubling text message to her family on Labor and then never showed up to the first day of school the following day. Investigators said she is four months pregnant and are calling her disappearance suspicious. But they will not elaborate any further at this time.
On Thursday, Wallen's car was found near at an apartment complex in Columbia. However, police have not elaborated any more on the condition of it or what else they found.
On Monday, Wallen's family held a news conference where her parents and boyfriend pleaded with the public to come forward with information. The family has offered a $25,000 reward.
Wilde Lake High School is planning a "Gathering of Hope" for Wallen later this week.