If you watched the 10 o’clock Channel 8 news last night, you may have recognized a familiar face in the story about the soldier killed in Afghanistan. Sgt. Carlos Benitez was honored by students and teachers at Carrollton’s Long Middle School, where Benitez played football, and by the new principal, Joe Copeland. Copeland, shown in this WFAA video presenting camouflage-clad teddy bears to Benitez’ parents, is in his first year at Long after serving as assistant principal at Lake Highlands High School.

Many remember Copeland as the AP who brought his two adorable daughters to many a Wildcat performance or athletic event – he even let them join him at last year’s senior prom at House of Blues. (I was relieved to know he couldn’t be expecting too many senior shenanigans if he’d let his daughters attend).

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At Copeland’s cue, Long students released a thousand white balloons in remembrance of the soldier killed in the line of duty. Benitez leaves behind a wife and two young children. His mother expressed her gratitude. “It was something he really wanted, to be remembered as a hero.”

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  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.