ELIZABETHTOWN — Bladen Lakes Primary recently dedicated the corner of its media center to former teacher Staci Hunt, who passed away in October.

The Staci Hunt Corner of the library “is adorned with a white picket fence, two Cracker Barrel rockers and books, books and more books.” It is located in a sunny spot, filled with items Hunt received for the school as part of a national literacy program.

Bladen Lakes was one of 120 schools in seven states to receive the rockers from the “Rockin' Reader” program, which supports fostering caring and literacy within the community. Along with the chairs, a collection of books, which has continued to grow through the help of friends, family and colleagues, was received.

Principal Jose Rodriguez spoke of Hunt during the ceremony, saying she had been his “sounding board and friend” as he found his way as the new principal of the school last summer. The new corner in the media center “is not a memorial to her, but rather a reminder to the rest of us of what she stood for,” he told them.

“The memorial is to help ease our sorrow, aid in gaining inspiration for what we come here to do each day, and to remind us of why we are here... to love these children,” Rodriguez said. “That is what Mrs. Hunt would have us remember.”

Anyone who is interested in adding to the collection of books in the Staci Hunt Corner may send donations to Bladen Lakes Primary School PTSO, 9554 Johnsontown Road, Elizabethtown 28337.