"Rita Israel Haik, age 52, passed away on January 11, 2020, at home after a long struggle with glioblastoma. Rita was born and grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi; graduating as a member of the St. Aloysius High School class of 1985. She continued her education at the University of Southern Mississippi obtaining a degree in English. While at USM she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. After completing her degree, Rita started her teaching career at St. Jean Vianney Catholic School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the early education department. Upon finishing requirements for certification, Rita distinguished herself as an outstanding middle school English teacher. At SJV she was known as a teacher who put the students first. She found their strengths and helped them grow by tapping into those qualities. Mrs. Haik is fondly remembered as that teacher who was compassionate yet firm; strict yet fun. Not satisfied with influencing just a classroom, Rita attained her Master's degree in Educational Leadership in 2016 from University of Holy Cross where she was named the Oustanding Graduate in Educational Leadership. Rita moved into school administration at The Runnels School in Baton Rouge, serving as junior/senior high vice principal. Continuing her student centered approach to education at Runnels, Rita treated students as she would treat her own children, pushing them to find the answers to hurdles in their lives no matter how high those hurdles seemed. Rita's life was punctuated by devotion to children--her own two girls, her many nieces and nephews, and her students were all touched by her intelligence, her spirit, and her love. Rita was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Gilbert Israel and Rita Israel; her maternal grandparents John Murray Pinkston, Sr. and Corean S. Pinkston; and her parents Calvin J. Israel , Sr. and Ruth Pinkston Israel. Survivors include her husband, Brad Haik; her daughters, Sarah Haik, and Sophie Haik.