Colonial Forge teacher dies in car crash in Egypt

STAFFORD — A Colonial Forge High School English teacher and Forensics coach died Sunday from injuries sustained in a car accident. She had been visiting family members in Egypt at the time.

Valli Hamed, 60, was ecstatic about visiting her home country all year. Her son lives in Egypt along with the majority of her family. It was common knowledge how much she was looking forward to reuniting with all of her family and celebrating her niece’s graduation this summer, friends and colleagues said.

No details of the accident have been released, and because the incident occurred in another country, funeral services and arrangements have also not yet been decided, said Lisa Martin, principal of Colonial Forge, on Wednesday.

“The last memory I have with her was when she was leaving for the airport, giddy to see her loved ones at home in Egypt” said Martin.

Hamed joined the Colonial Forge Eagles in 2000. She taught English, primarily focusing on tenth- and twelfth-graders, and soon became the sponsor of the forensics team.

“She was a passionate teacher who dedicated herself to the best interest of her students and was very involved, spending whatever time was necessary to make sure they were successful.” said Martin.

Students thrived off her positive attitude and eagerness to help.

“Mrs. Hamed was a really fun teacher — really cool too. The students adored her. We really loved her.” said Zach Walman, a 2009 graduate of Colonial Forge.

“Valli was wonderful to work with — very pleasant. She was also a very respectable and courteous woman. All of us at Colonial Forge are mourning our loss.” said Martin.

With the permission of Hamed’s family, the Colonial Forge teachers, staff, students and parents hope to prepare something as a memorial to honor her, according to Martin.

Julie Feng is a Governor’s School student at the Stafford High School site, working with the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at info@staffordcountysun.com.