The residents of a New Jersey community were filled with grief on Wednesday night as they mourned the untimely death of a principal in a tragic traffic accident that occurred overseas.
Images of the late principal’s smile covered the exterior of the Dr. John Grieco Elementary School building.
Tragically, the Englewood Public School District lost Reverend Dr. Daniela Small-Bailey, a cherished principal, in a traffic accident last week. The outpouring of grief and sorrow at the school was a powerful reminder of the nearly twenty years she devoted to serving the community.
Dr. Claudette Peterkin, a teacher, expressed her admiration for someone who empathizes with people when they are feeling low. According to her, this individual always kept her door open.
They left the door open for her on Wednesday night.
Under the searing sun, a multitude of individuals gathered for a candlelight vigil. Emotions ran high as they struggled to contain their tears, wiping away the mixture of salty sweat and bitter sorrow.
The news of Small-Bailey’s passing left current students in a state of grief, while former students were left mourning her loss. Parents, teachers, and Small-Bailey’s sorority sisters were also deeply affected and overwhelmed with pain.
Tragedy struck on the Fourth of July in South Africa as Dr. Small-Bailey and her oldest son were involved in a fatal head-on automobile collision. They were visiting her two grandchildren at the time of the accident. This devastating incident has left behind two young children in New Jersey who are now without their mother and brother.
Tanika Williams encouraged to keep going and to keep striving for success. “Keep living way up beyond the sky,” she said.
Small-Bailey and Williams share a close bond as not only sisters but also as best friends. Williams happens to be Small-Bailey’s youngest sibling.
According to Williams, her mother hails from Trinidad, and despite starting with very little, she managed to provide her children with a good life. Williams believes that education is the key to changing one’s circumstances, and her mother imparted this lesson to her and her siblings. As a result, Williams is now committed to passing on the value of education to her own students and changing their lives for the better.
According to Dr. Noel Gordon, who served as the former Vice Principal, Dr. Small-Bailey used to welcome each student with a smile or a warm hug while standing in the corridor.
Gordon recounted how the woman would start her day by going to her office and then walking every floor, visiting every classroom, and connecting with every teacher.
Reverend Eyesha Marable, a former college classmate of Small-Bailey, reminisced about her exceptional qualities. “Everything she did was executed with excellence. Excellence was her calling card,” she said. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Small-Bailey continued to excel in her endeavors. Notably, she earned her degree and penned a book during this time.
Dr. Small-Bailey was a rule-breaker, but only for the greater good. She never shied away from speaking her mind and telling the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for others. Her unapologetic nature was a testament to her strong character and unwavering principles.
