Left to right, Marion County High School SRO Jason Clifton, Lamar County High School Principal Jason Clark, Anna Rhea White and LCHS SRO David Sullivan stand in front of the bench which memorializes Chaney Livingston, who passed away in April.
By Luke Brantley
Staff writer
VERNON — On April 30, 2024, Lamar County High School lost a senior, Chaney Livingston, to a tragic automobile accident. After hearing the news, Marion County High School Junior Anna Rhea White immediately wanted to do something to help LCHS. Anna Rhea began collecting donations, while still undecided as to what to do to show support.
The idea was then presented to have a sitting bench made in memory of Chaney. Once the bench was purchased and delivered, Mr. Jamie Stanger, a teacher at Marion County High School, used an engraving machine to complete a plaque.
On May 24, 2024, Anna Rhea White, along with SRO Jason Clifton, delivered the bench to LCHS Principal Jason Clark and SRO David Sullivan. Marion County High School was honored and humbled to have been able to donate this memorial, and they hope it keeps her legacy alive within the school for years to come.
White, who will be entering her senior year for the fall semester, said she didn’t know Livingston personally, but they shared several mutual friends at Lamar County.
“I just kept hearing the news over and over again, and I thought about how sad it was,” White said. “Officer Clifton and I were talking about it at school one day, and he said it would be great if we could do something for them”
White said she and Clifton looked at a few options before deciding on the bench, which they bought with donations White helped raise.
“We just asked for donations,” she said. “We kind of wanted to get it there before graduation, which we didn’t end up doing because of shipping.
“But we asked for donations around the school and from people in the city, and everybody was very nice and generous.”
White said Lamar County High School and people in the community expressed their gratitude, but that wasn’t why she wanted to make the memorial.
“I think they really appreciated it. I know officer Clifton and I got a lot of texts, but I just want to give all glory to God,” she said. “I know the Lord and Savior would want us to take care of the hurting and the broken—especially when it comes to lost loved ones. I’ve dealt with that myself, and I know it’s very hard.
“I think that was a good way to do a small part to do something for them.
“Officer Clifton and I may be in the picture, but we didn’t do that for any recognition. We just give all the praise to the Lord, and we’d like everybody to pray for her family and friends.”
“We were very, very touched by that act of sympathy and kindness,” LCHS Principal Jason Clark said. “For another student to take the initiative to do something like this out of respect for our students and our community is such a blessing.”
Clark said he knew Clifton after the two attended school together, and it was Clifton who first informed him of what White was planning.
“It’ll be a way we can always remember…
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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