On November 22, 2024, the Bryant Middle School community in Dos Palos, California, lost a beloved art teacher, Leah Seneng, at the age of 60. Her death followed a rare and tragic case of rabies—contracted from a bat she bravely removed from school property in mid‑October. Leah discovered the bat, gently scooped it up, and released it outdoors—unaware that she had been bitten or scratched. Though she
initially showed no symptoms, she fell ill weeks later. On November 18, her daughter rushed her to the hospital. Leah was placed in a medically induced coma and, despite urgent care, passed away on November 22. She was a devoted instructor and cherished member of the Dos Palos–Oro Loma Joint Unified School District—described by friends as “a lover of life”; an accomplished artist, and a spirited educator who inspired creativity and kindness.
Leah leaves behind her husband and daughter, as well as a community deeply moved by her compassion and strength.