Jacqueline T. Lamp, a longtime Baltimore County educator who was principal of Loch Raven High School, died Tuesday of ovarian cancer at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. The Rodgers Forge resident was 61.
At her death, Mrs. Lamp had been principal of Loch Raven High School for the past four years.
Mrs. Lamp, after enduring her chemotherapy treatments, would return to work, and had been there as late as last Thursday, colleagues said.
During her illness, a tin mailbox was placed in the school's office.
"It was called 'Jackie's Mail,' and kids, faculty and parents filled it daily with notes and gifts that were hand-delivered to her. It was a way for people to stay connected to her," said Kathy A. Kerch, president of the Loch Raven Parent-Teacher-Student Association.
Lyle R. Patzjowsky, area assistant superintendent for the county school system's central area, said Mrs. Lamp brought "passion to her job."
"She'd persevere through anything and was very resilient," said Mr. Patzjowsky, a former principal of Dulaney High School, where Mrs. Lamp had been his assistant principal from 2002 to 2004.
Bonnie K. Lambert, who has been an assistant principal at Loch Raven for six years and acting principal since Mrs. Lamp's cancer was diagnosed in January, was also a close friend.
"Jackie was the epitome of an educator and one of the most outstanding individuals I've ever met. Being principal at Loch Raven was her dream job," she said, adding that faculty and teachers at the school were "devastated by her death."
Linda M. Oliver, longtime administrative secretary at the school, said Mrs. Lamp made students, teachers and parents feel important and "loved every student in this building."
Mrs. Lamp enjoyed organizing early morning breakfasts she labeled "Breakfast of Champions," which recognized student academic achievement and good deeds.
"She went the extra mile for them because she wanted them to succeed and realize their future began at Loch Raven High School," Mrs. Oliver said.
As head of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association, Mrs. Kerch said she had a close working relationship with Mrs. Lamp.
"She was awesome, and that's the word I'd use to describe her. Her door was always open to me, and before each PTSA meeting, we talked over things," Mrs. Kerch said.
