Nicole Mercado leads the third and fourth grade choir.
During a ceremony Thursday night, the Chandler Unified School District dedicated one of its newest campuses: The Haley Knutson Elementary School, known as Haley Elementary School. The school was named for Haley Knutson, who at 9 years old lost her battle with cancer after a brave fight that inspired the community. The dedication was attended by students, teachers, district officials, board members and members of Haley’s family.
“Thursday was a special night,” district spokesman Terry Locke said. “The dedication ceremony provided us with an opportunity to celebrate Haley’s impact on our community. She mobilized our community and residents across the state who rallied emotionally and financially to support Haley and her family during her nearly lifelong battle with leukemia. She left an impressive legacy for someone so young. She brought out the generosity and compassion in all of us and taught everyone an important lesson about life’s priorities.”
Haley was first diagnosed with leukemia just prior to her second birthday, Locke said. She continued the fight until she died in 2005. “Haley was an inspiration for the CUSD Student Crisis fund, primarily fueled by district staff’s voluntary payroll deduction that benefits students today. High school seniors who have overcome health issues are awarded scholarships annually.”
