L'Anse Creuse North Gym Dedicated to Beloved Principal Dave Jackson

The community lost a beloved principal and coach with the passing of Dave Jackson last year, but the school has found a way to ensure the man who touched so many lives in the classroom and on the court is never forgotten.

In honor of Jackson and his years of service to L'Anse Creuse education and athletics, the LCN high school gym has been renamed the Jackson Gymnasium.

"What a great tribute to a great man that was loved by so many," wrote Robin Lewandowski-Kelly on The North Star's Facebook page.

"What a wonderful way to honor a wonderful man!" echoed Karen Minnella Nelson.

Jackson, who most recently served as the L'Anse Creuse district's athletic supervisor, passed away Feb. 12 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Macomb Township.

Jackson retired as principal of LCN in 2011.

During his career in education, which began in 1973, Jackson served as a teacher and administrator at St. Mary's School in Mount Clemens, Notre Dame High School, Cardinal Mooney High School, Sacred Heart College and Seminary, Richmond High School and at schools throughout the L'Anse Creuse district. 

He was inducted into the Macomb County Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003 and named Administrator of the Year for the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) in 2009.

In 2011, he received the Clinton Township Area Optimists Club Achievement in Education Award saying, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the students and staff at all the schools I have been associated with in the last 38 years. The outstanding students, staff, and parents are really who deserve this award as well. If it were not for all of them I wouldn't have accomplished anything in my career.”

An athletic scholalarship has also been established in Jackson's memory.

The scholarship was created to benefit student athletes from Cardinal Mooney, L'Anse Creuse High School, L'Anse Creuse High School North and Richmond High School.

Donations to the memorial fund can be made to the David Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Fifth Third Bank, 47000 Gratiot, Chesterfield, MI 48051. 

Special thanks to L'Anse Creuse North's student newspaper, The North Star, for this news tip via the group's Facebook.