Family and friends held a prayer vigil on Sunday for a former "Teacher of the Year" who grew up in the area and has been reported missing in New Orleans.
Terrilyn Monette was last seen March 2 at a bar in a neighborhood in New Orleans, where she recently moved to participate in a teaching program.
She was last seen sleeping in her late model Honda.
The vehicle also has been reported missing.
"We're all very heartbroken," said her brother, Brandon, during the vigil held at Long Beach Wilson High School.
Maree Reed, a friend was in shock.
"I can't believe it's happening," she said.
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Friends and family searched a New Orleans park on Sunday, while deputies from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office searched Bayou St. John in boats for four hours trying to locate Monette's vehicle, but nothing turned up.
Investigators searched these areas because Monette would have possibly driven home this way.
Deputies also used a helicopter Saturday night to scan areas of City Park, the Lakefront, and Lakeview, but nothing was found, officials said.
Monette, who received her teaching degree from Cal State San Bernardino, had been teaching children in impoverished areas as part of the “Teach NOLA” program.
“We really just want her to come home,” said friend and vigil organizer David Dirks. …”Nothing else I can say...”
