Brice Djembissi, Husband, Father, Coach & Friend

We never imagined in a million years that we would no longer hear the cheerful voice and see the warm smile of our beloved Coach Brice Djembissi. He was a devoted husband, father, educator, colleague, and friend. On March 7, 2023, we learned he succumbed to his injuries after fighting for his life for over a week in the hospital after being shot by a stray bullet in Washington, DC. Hearing the news he would not be returning to us, broke our hearts and we know we will never be the same. His love of life and belief in the American dream brought him into our school family in 2019. It was this zest for life and innovative ideas for our Physical Education Program that made us know he was what was missing from our TES family. His story, his journey, reflected the stories of so many within our school walls. Mr. Djembissi embodied the values of a great educator by not only teaching children new athletic skills but simultaneously, he taught them life lessons they will carry with them forever. Throughout the classrooms and hallways of our school, the children expressed gratitude and sadness for Coach Djembissi after hearing of his passing. Over and over the common thread that tied our hearts, young and old, were the lessons of looking for the good in all things as well as the importance of persevering during challenging times.

It was because he was pursuing the American dream for his family, he took the extra job driving Uber in preparation for purchasing a home. The very week this tragedy took place, his family was mere days away from making their dream come true by closing on a home they had made an offer on in the DMV area. It is because of this and what he meant to so many people we have decided to make this GoFundMe page to help Mr. Djembissi’s widow keep the dream alive for her and their children.

We strive to keep his enduring message alive. His legacy has taught us and will continue to remind us we must endure the challenges of life and build strength where there is dismay. We hope to raise enough funds to help Mrs. Djembissi continue her pursuit of purchasing a new home for their family. We are also hoping to replace their vehicle, which was riddled with bullets due to the incident. He came to our school four years ago, ready to inspire, and he did just that! There is no place Mr. Brice Djembissi encountered that he did not make better. We strive to do the same for his family in remembrance of the light he shared with the world.

WJLA.com News Link: PGCPS Teacher Killed in Crossfire