A Classroom Feels the Absence Angela Hall, the teacher, always starts the day by assembling her preschool children in a circle in their Shreveport, Louisiana, classroom. The kids laugh, share, and look for who’s not there. "Braylon, he's not here," she remembered one of her students saying on Monday. Braylon Snow, who had just turned 5, was one of seven siblings who were shot and killed by their father on Sunday. Their cousin also died in the attack. The tragedy shook classrooms across Shreveport, where teachers like Hall faced grieving students and concerned parents. It’s likely the children in Hall’s class at Johnnie L. Cochran Head Start noticed immediately that Braylon was missing. Every day, Hall encourages her students to notice absent classmates so they can welcome them back. But this time was different—Braylon would not return. Hall continued circle time despite feeling numb and heartbroken, staying until midday before going home. "I can't help my babies right now because I need to be alone and pray," she said.
The End of Preschool Dreams Preparations had been underway for next month’s graduation celebration at Head Start. Hall, who plays the organ and piano at her local Baptist church, even wrote a song for the event. Students had been practicing in caps and gowns, excited about starting kindergarten in the fall. Hall had been working closely with Braylon, proud of his progress. Just days earlier, she told his mother he was learning to write his full name and becoming more independent—pouring syrup on his pancakes and remembering to wash his hands on his own. "Braylon doesn't give me any trouble," she told his mother.
Remembering Braylon Each day, Braylon greeted Hall—known to her students as "Mrs. Hall"—with a wave. Over time, she helped him smile more, even with his missing teeth. He loved the playground, where he played tag, chased friends, and enjoyed what she fondly called "a little wrassling." "He was kind of a quiet little soul in the classroom most of the time," Hall recalled. "When he got a little extra energy, it was wonderful to see him smile and laugh."
