Sam LaCara was a lifelong educator (21 years of service) in the Placeville Union School District in California. LaCara was hired out of California State University as a PE Teacher for Edwin Markham Middle School. LaCara was considered by colleagues to be a fierce competitor but fair. LaCara worked as a teacher and coach before moving into administration as the assistant principal and finally as the principal at Schnell School. In 2008, under LaCara’s leadership, Schnell School received distinctions as a Title 1 Academic Achievement Award School as well as an Honorable Mention California Distinguished School.

On Wednesday, February 2, 2011 LaCara and long time friend, janitor of the school had some kind of dispute which culminated in a shot being fired into LaCara’s torso. LaCara was pronounced dead at the local hospital at 11:16 a.m. It was later discovered that the janitor was upset about not having much input in the hiring of a nighttime janitor.

LaCara left behind his wife and three daughters.

To help honor Sam LaCara