MARTINSVILLE (WSLS 10) - People who knew Alison Parker said she was driven and described her as a rising star.
Family and friends where Alison grew up were also mourning her loss. Alison's mother, Barbara Bailey Parker, said she is left with emptiness and unanswered questions.
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"She was just taken too soon," said Barbara Bailey Parker, Alison's mother. "She had it in her to be a star."
Martinsville School District faculty members and former teachers said they all agree. Former teachers said they will always remember the little girl in Alison. Former teachers said they remember her most for her positive attitude, generosity, and a smile that brightened the classroom.
"I still see the little girl in her; the smile, the beauty, the confidence, all radiating from her," said Alison's former principle, Paulette Simington. "I saw that little girl in the grown woman doing phenomenal things."
It was a gut-wrenching morning for Simington and for loyal viewers of Alison and WDBJ7.
"I heard the shots, I heard the scream and I was taken back," Simington said. "I got up from our chair and I told my husband 'I think I just witnessed something happen'."
Family and former teachers said Alison was a well-rounded student. And, as a young girl she was prepared for any assignment.
"She was very smart, very intelligent, but more importantly vivacious and empathic," said one of her high school teachers Denise Morrison. "For all the people who saw her on TV, the smile you saw was genuine...that was not fake."
It was her smile teachers remember that brightened the classroom.
"My favorite memory of Alison was in the winter," said Morrison. "Alison always had different kinds of boots and galoshes. When it was bad weather you always looked at Alison's feet, because she had bright green boots or pink boots or just really cool boots. And, I just always got a smile on my face when she walked into my room."
It was a difficult day for everyone whose life Alison touched. At the high school, teachers said her death was taking a toll on everyone in the close-knit community.
"I think she made a mark on or community," said Alison's former principle Paulette Simington. "She made a mark in our state. She will be forever remembered for her goodness, her generosity and for just being the person that she was. To me she will always be a shining star."
Everyone shared thoughts of shock and prayer over the turn of tragic events - many of whom were watching their former student at the time. Some said they will always remember the little girl in Alison.