Guest Post: Please Name Gaithersburg Elementary School #8 "Dutch" Kelley Elementary School

March 30, 2022

Good afternoon members of the Board of Education

Thank you for recognizing the needs of the five communities surrounding Kelley Park, by making both Gaithersburg Elementary School as well as Forest Oak Middle School accessible to our children. You listened to us when evaluating the competing border boundaries!

 

We welcome Dr. Cavena J. Griffeth in her new role as Principal. I look forward to personally meeting with her.

 

I am writing as a homeowner, and as a Friend of Kelley Park to ask that you consider naming the new school ‘Dutch’ Kelley Elementary School. While I know that the name “Kelley Park Elementary School” is under consideration as well as the names of two minority cultural heroes, I believe that the five neighborhoods surrounding the Park would be better served by naming the school for the local hero that made the park a place for children and families to grow, play and enjoy.

 

Kelley Park was designed by George R. “Dutch” Kelley, the former civil engineer for the City of Gaithersburg. He did so with two important commitments in mind—maintaining available open space and his reverence of nature. His ultimate goal was ensuring that the residents of our growing city enjoyed the highest possible quality of life while reflecting the needs of the families surrounding the Park. The Park was named for Mr. Kelley after his death in October 1986. People from across the region came to use the ball and soccer fields; volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts; children’s play equipment; as well as enjoy the opportunity to commune with nature and meet new friends.

 

Dutch Kelley made a measurable impact on the local community. What better way to recognize his contributions than name the school in “his” park “Dutch” Kelley Elementary School? Our children need local heroes who exemplify positive behaviors which benefit the community around them as well as hope. Dutch Kelley gave Gaithersburg residents both.

 

Please name the school “Dutch” Kelley Elementary School.

 

Lynn A. Nash

Gaithersburg, MD

Lynn A. Nash, PhD, RN, PHCNS-BC, FAAN