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Select Board accepts DECA‑led Purple Heart memorial and multiple Endicott Park donations
Summary
The board accepted a student‑funded Purple Heart memorial proposed by Danvers High School DECA and several donations from the Friends of Endicott Park, including up to $10,000 for a shelter floor and smaller gifts for trails and exhibits.
The Select Board voted June 2 to accept several community donations: a student‑led Purple Heart memorial for Town Hall from Danvers High School DECA and multiple gifts from the Friends of Endicott Park to fund repairs and improvements.
Kelly Rails Tusher, the town veteran service officer, presented the DECA proposal and said students raised funds via concerts, merchandise and donations to design and install a memorial honoring Purple Heart recipients. Students Chase Richmond and Ariana Fardo described personal family military connections as their inspiration. "My inspiration for this was my mother who served in the Air Force," one student said.
The board thanked the students and moved to accept the donation; staff will receive updated drawings for final placement and send a letter of thanks to the project team.
Representatives Lois and Bill McKenzie presented donations from the Friends of Endicott Park: up to $10,000 for a concrete floor in a pasture shelter and a separate wash pad; $6,200 for two foot-bridge repairs on the fitness trail; $3,800 for modular corral fencing; and $200 for the nature center bee exhibit. The board accepted the gifts and asked staff to send letters of thanks.
Separately, the board accepted a $2,500 memorial bench donation in memory of Melissa and Shaina Campbell to be installed at Endicott Park; staff confirmed placement will be coordinated to ease maintenance and remain visible. The board offered condolences to donors and voted to accept the bench gift.
