ELIZABETHTOWN — Staci’s Corner, located in the library at Bladen Lakes Primary School, got a boost on Friday from the White Lake Water Festival committee. The committee donated $300 to go towards the purchase of books in memory of the late Staci Hunt.

Hunt was a teacher at the school and she recently lost her battle against cancer. 

Dawn Maynard, Water Festival chairman said the committee members felt the need to do something to honor Hunt’s memory. According to Maynard, Hunt was a fixture around the lake during the summer months.

“The reason Staci’s Corner was chosen was because she ran the Sandwich Shop (located at Goldston’s Beach) for so many years,” said Maynard. “We felt it was a good fit because for so many years kids hung out at the Sandwich Shop.”

Maynard said the Water Festival committee had “In Memory of Staci Hunt” printed on this year’s commemorative T-shirt.

The funds to be donated were raised via the volleyball tournament. There were 11 teams with about 66 people. The teams consisted of six members each, according to Maynard.

“It was advertised as the first White Lake Water Festival Volleyball Tournament. It was a winner take all cash prize,” said Maynard.

The tournament, which was held at the U.S. 701 location along with the  tractor pull and car show, was sponsored by Crystal Beach Resorts and the White Lake Motel and Campground.

Maynard said the volleyball court was constructed in a joint effort between the White Lake Public Works Department and the White Lake Fire Department.

“We were very impressed for the first year,” said Maynard of the tournament’s success.