Archived News

Friends, family and school officials of Kameron Michael Dunmore commemorate a bench and a corner of the library at Princeton Elementary School. Kameron died in February.

Princeton Elementary School renamed a nook of its library after Kameron Michael Dunmore, a student who died after a car struck him in a crosswalk earlier this year. A plaque posted in the library’s corner reads:

Kameron Michael Dunmore… In loving tribute to his zest and zeal for learning; Dedicated on September 18, 2009; Princeton Elementary School.

A brief dedication ceremony allowed teachers and students to share memories of the 8-year-old second-grader who was killed on his way to school in February. Dunmore, an avid reader, belonged to the school’s book club, which was renamed in his honor last year. The Kameron Dunmore Reading Award was also created to honor students who earn accelerated reading points.

Princeton Elementary students offered handmade inspiration cards that read “We will miss you” for Kameron’s parents, Karen and Michael, who attended the dedication with his sister, Kiara, his grandmothers, aunt, uncle, cousins and godmother. The Stonecrest branch of Kohl’s department store also created a grant in the student’s memory and a representative attended the ceremony as well.

“Although he was only here for a short time, what he left here with me no other student could have brought,” said Adrienne Burnett, one of Kameron’s teachers. “Every day that he came into the classroom, he was excited. I can’t remember a time he was upset or not in a good mood. … When I pick up a book and read to my kids, I think of Kameron.”

DeKalb County School System officials said they advocate for improved safety for students who walk to school. The district also created a safety awareness campaign to remind drivers and students of proper safety procedures. Dunmore was killed while on South DeShon Road on Feb. 2. Shirley Ogilvie of Snellville faces misdemeanor charges in the accident.

“Think of years ahead,” school Principal Juanita Letcher said. “Think of how many children will come through this media center and will see that name. If there’s just an ounce of influence on that child’s life to enjoy reading, to pick up a book, this day and its volume will live on forever.”