To the Editor:

On Sept. 15, 2007, the faculty, staff, students and the community were saddened when we learned of the tragic death of one of our students, Dustin Whitehurst.

“Dusty,” as he was lovingly known, was a first grade student here at Meherrin Elementary School.

In keeping with the wishes of Dusty’s family for contributions to be made to your favorite charity, Meherrin Elementary School has established The Dustin Whitehurst Memorial Fund.

Through private donations, the school will construct a baseball field on the school’s playground in his memory.

Dusty loved baseball and was a member of the Courtland Red Coach-Pitch baseball team. We feel that this baseball field will be a very fitting tribute to his young life and his love for baseball.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution to the fund, please make checks or money orders payable to Meherrin Elementary School with Dustin Whitehurst Memorial Fund on the memo line.

Donations may be mailed or taken to any Bronco Federal Credit Union, Franklin or Suffolk, or to Meherrin Elementary School, 28600 Gray’s Shop Road, Newsoms, VA

23874. Dusty’s family will be informed of all donations made to the fund.

We thank you in advance for your support and generosity.

Syretha C. Wright, Principal

Meherrin Elementary School