To the editor:

On Friday, May 17, our Sappington Elementary School community was amazed, but not surprised, at the massive outpouring of support from the Lindbergh Schools community for third-grader Lonnie Avent during our “Lemonade for Lonnie” fundraiser.

We are grateful to all of the Lindbergh families, local businesses, and passers-by who took time to drive through our parking lot and donate a few dollars — or in some cases, a few hundred dollars — for the family of Lonnie, who was tragically killed May 9 after being hit by a car.

Lindbergh Schools is a National District of Character because our students, staff and community live out our 12 traits throughout the year. Service, caring, cooperation were certainly on display as a tiny lemonade stand turned into a massive display of support.

In all, our fifth-graders raised enough money to help Lonnie’s family pay for funeral costs. The community’s generosity created a bright ray of hope during a time of sadness for all of the classmates, teachers, family and friends who cared about Lonnie and will miss him so much.

On behalf of Sappington Elementary and Lonnie’s family, I thank the Lindbergh community for its support.