South Riding Welcomes J. Michael Lunsford Middle School

The South Riding Community celebrated the dedication of its newest middle school on Thursday, Oct. 13.

The construction of the building is innovative and environmentally-friendly. It increases day-lighting, energy and water efficiency. Recycled materials and low emission materials were used in the construction. A solar system feeds electric power back to the electric grid and also heats the water. Storm water “rain gardens” are located around parking areas.

By unanimous vote, the school was named in honor of respected Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) employee J. Michael Lunsford.

Lunsford was director of transportation from 1995 – 2009. He attended Loudoun County Public school before he began his career at age 16 as a student bus driver for Loudoun County High School in 1968.  Lunsford held multiple positions over the course of his 41-year career with LCPS including computer operator, computer programmer, transportation coordinator and transportation operations supervisor.

Lunsford was responsible for the transport of every LCPS student either to or from school, on field trips or to athletic events and other competitions. Co-worker Peggy Everhart said Lunsford was a warm and caring person. She said, “In bad weather, he was up in the early hours of the day checking the roads, and he stayed at work until not only every child was home safely, but also until all of the bus drivers were home safely.”

According to LCPS Superintendent Edgar Hatrick, “J. Michael Lunsford set a gold standard of how we ought to live life.” Hatrick told students, “Think about J. Michael Lunsford as a teacher, story-teller and wise guide to many. You can make a broader impact on the community by giving of yourself.” In October 2007, Lunsford was named one of the “Hidden Powers” in the Washington D.C. area by Washingtonian magazine. The magazine defined a hidden power as “people you may not know who can change your life.”

The ceremony featured performances by the Lunsford student chorus, band, orchestra and guitar ensemble. Three students read letters they wrote aligning the school’s ROAR (Respect, Ownership, Achievement and Responsibility) expectations with the legacy left by Lunsford.

Lunsford’s wife, Catherine, spoke of his legacy. “My challenge to you is to live Mr. Mike’s legacy every day. Think with your brain and follow your heart. Be truthful and honest. Respect one another. Take care of each other. Be kind. Be a hidden hero. Do things because you know they are the right things to do, not because of the recognition it may bring. Remember your responsibility to your family and community.”

Neil Slevin is the principal of J. Michael Lunsford Middle School. Slevin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. Slevin was with LCPS for nine years prior to becoming the principal of Lunsford Middle School. Slevin was presented with a portrait of Lunsford by the Department of Transportation, a Key Plaque by Moseley Architects, a bronze casting of Lunsford by the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services and a citation from the Virginia House of Delegates.

The motto for the J. Michael Lunsford Middle School Lions is “Building a Legacy of Excellence”. The school building and its namesake are off to a great start.