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Mother urges school board recognition for student who died before Porter Ridge graduation
Summary
Leslie Stanfield appealed to the council to advocate to the Union County school board to honor her son, Christopher Stanfield, who died in a traffic crash and was unable to graduate with his class.
Leslie Stanfield addressed the council during public comment seeking the town’s assistance in asking the Union County Board of Education to make an exception to honor her son, Christopher Stanfield, who died on Oct. 30, 2023, before his senior graduation. She said school officials offered only a moment of silence and would not call his name or provide an honorary diploma presentation; she asked the council to appeal to the school board to allow the family to have a chair with cap and gown or to permit a family member to walk in the student’s honor.
Stanfield said the lack of a formal recognition was a disservice to the family and classmates and could have aided the grieving process. Councilmembers expressed sympathy, said they would inquire with relevant school officials, and suggested they would make inquiries to understand the school board’s policy and whether an exception or memorial recognition is possible.
The council clarified that it has no direct authority over the Union County School Board but said council members would ask officials and report back to Stanfield.
