Lakelands Park Middle School's Parent Teacher Student Association issued the following press release, regarding the loss of Matthew Bittner, who taught at Lakelands:

A local school community is coming together to mourn the loss of a beloved teacher.  Matthew Bittner lost his battle with cancer on Monday morning after a two year fight.  The PTSAs of Lakelands Park Middle School, Quince Orchard High School and Northwest High School will sponsor a vigil Sunday night to honor Mr. Bittner's memory. 

The vigil will take place on the soccer field at Lakelands Park Middle School (1200 Main Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20878) Sunday, Dec. 18, promptly at 7 PM.  The vigil is set to last an hour with speakers, memories, and music.  The ceremony will conclude with a walk around the soccer field in memory of Mr. Bittner.

The vigil committee welcomes the press to come and see how a community comes together during a difficult time but asks that the press be respectful of the fact that this is an opportunity for the students and their families to help each other during this difficult time.  In addition to the fact that this provides Mr. Bittner's students the opportunity to come together in a safe environment, it also gives them the opportunity to find some good in such a devastating loss. Mr. Bittner touched the lives of many students and their families.  He will be greatly missed.