BETHESDA, Md. — Within hours of homecoming events set for Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, an air of unease spread among students and staff Friday evening, nearly a week after relatives reported a beloved English teacher missing.
Deborah Anne Celmer's homecoming is now the focus of the weekend – as her high school family fears Celmer's missing person case may extend into a second week.
"She takes most of her students as her children, and she tells us that all the time," said Bethesda-Chevy Chase senior Maissa Kobele Keita in an interview. "She's there for you, and she listens. She's one of the best listeners."
Police continued efforts to find Celmer, 41, days after she vanished from her Rockville apartment. Detectives with Montgomery County's 2nd District Investigative Section began investigating on Monday when family members first contacted authorities.
Since then, the high school newspaper created an online tribute section for Celmer, with messages reading "I hope nothing wrong has happened and that you're able to be back with asap," and, "please let us know you are ok."
Celmer's father took to Twitter during the week, posting the Montgomery missing person bulletin released by police.
"My Daughter Deborah is missing," Al Celmer wrote Wednesday. "Please pray for her safety."
Police reported that Celmer may be operating a blue 2003 Toyota Camry with Maryland tags 9CN5716.
Celmer is 5’3″ tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen by family members on Oct. 12 at 11:00 p.m.
Shelton Mooney, the high school's acting principal, sent an email addressing the situation to Bethesda-Chevy Chase parents. The note, first reported by Montgomery Community Media, said that school staff have been in contact with police, in order to offer any assistance needed.
"We understand that this news may be challenging for some students, staff, and community members to process," Mooney said. "The B-CC Counseling department is available to provide support to anyone who requests it. Likewise, the school system is prepared to provide additional supports if necessary."
Anyone with information on Celmer's whereabouts is asked to call the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000. The number is staffed 24 hours, and callers may remain anonymous.
