As a result of contributions given by Middle School students, a statue has been erected at the Middle School in memory of Mary Alice Babcock, a Darlington eighth-grader who died unexpectedly on January 11, 2000. The statue is being placed to the left of the Middle School’s main entrance.
A memorial plaque attached to the statue’s pedestal reads, "In memory of Mary Alice Babcock, given by the Darlington Middle School, May 2000."
The funds raised to pay for the statue were given entirely by students enrolled in the sixth through eighth grades. Jim Van Es, Middle School principal, suggested that the students pass up one drink or snack and instead donate their change to the fund.
"We didn’t keep a list of which students gave, or how much each child donated. It was completely voluntary. The statue and plaque were entirely gifts from the students," Middle School Secretary Diane Ogletree said. "The original idea for the memorial came from the Parents Association. Rebecca Montgomery, the Middle School’s representative in the organization, was instrumental in getting the project started."
In addition to the statue and plaque, Mary Alice’s locker, as requested by her classmates, will no longer be used by students. Instead, locker 114 is overflowing with pictures, flowers, poems, and other mementos left by her classmates, including her basketball jersey. The inside of the locker is covered in quotes written and left by her classmates.
