Dr. Derrick Nelson Memorial Courtyard at WHS

On September 20, 2022, a dedication ceremony was held for the Dr. Derrick Nelson Memorial Courtyard in memory of Westfield High School’s beloved former principal. His family, friends, and colleagues joined in the ceremony, expressing great appreciation for the extensive courtyard renovations.

The smiling image of Dr. Nelson adorns a memorial stone in the Remembrance Garden surrounded by a pergola, paver bricks, benches, decorative stone mulch, and the American flag flying above. Adjacent is a paver brick plaza called “The Commons,” with an overhead shade sail stretching above comfortable picnic tables.

Students began enjoying this tranquil space last spring and we feel it is a fitting tribute to Dr. Nelson, a dedicated educator whose first consideration was always his students. Dr. Nelson died in 2019 from complications suffered during a procedure to donate stem cells to a boy in France he didn’t know.

While the initial phase of the courtyard renovation was funded by the district, along with a thoughtful donation from the Optimist Club of Westfield, we are reaching out to the community who so loved Dr. Nelson for help in completing the project. We hope, with your generosity, to be able to provide additional improvements such as new walkways, landscaped garden beds, and increased student seating.

If you are able to donate, please consider donating toward the cost of completing this project.

Please enjoy this brief video explanation of the project and the fundraiser. We thank you, in advance, for your generosity and support.

https://youtu.be/p3ycPL8Drio

Thank you!

WHS PTSO