School Board Dedicates Field House in Honor of Former Student

The Dexter Community School District will officially honor the memory of resident and volunteer Henry Thurston by naming its athletic field house in his name. Thurston volunteered for Dexter sports for 47 years before his death in 2010 from cancer.

The Dexter Board of Education voted on the decision at its regular meeting Monday.

"Henry Thurston was an exceptional individual. He dedicated himself as a volunteer and did so quietly. He followed his heart with the community and in church. It is fitting to recognize him," board trustee Julie Schumaker said.

A plaque with Thurston's name and his years of service will be hung in the field house hallway, along with a history about him.

"He was a graduate of our high school. He was a special-needs student," Superintendent Mary Marshall said, adding that Thurston became the manager for the Dexter football team when he was still in high school. "He worked for 47 years. He was a special guy. He will be very missed."

After the meeting, board member Kim Covert said she was interested in establishing a scholarship in Thurston's name for students who have been involved in community service.

"We went to Henry Thurston's church. He was a wonderful example for all my kids," Covert said.

Dexter resident Louie Ceriani said he knew Thurston for most of his life.

He said that after Thurston became manager of the high school football, baseball and track teams, his life changed for the better.

"It gave him a purpose and a sense of leadership. That was what he needed," Ceriani said.

Ceriani said Thurston was always making friends at his church and in the community. One of his good friends was former University of Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr, who would make frequent trips into Dexter to visit with Thurston.

"Henry used to tell me, 'Lloyd Carr came to see me today. I'm No. 1,'" Ceriani said, adding that he had never heard Thurston say a bad word about anyone he met.