Leslie Dunn's dream was to follow in the footsteps of her mother and grandfather -- both outstanding educators.

She was greatly admired in her profession, and last January she was named as the first principal of Guilford County's newest school, E. P. Pearce Elementary on Pleasant Ridge Road.

Everything abruptly changed when her life was cut short at age 47 by a massive heart attack while attending an education leadership conference in Asheville June 26.

Dunn's death was a stunning blow to her family and friends, school officials and the hundreds of students who knew and loved her.

A memorial was set up soon after Dunn's untimely passing -- a mural in Patriot's Way, the longest hallway at Pearce School. This mural was first planned by Dunn, as she loved history and wanted a pictorial timeline to beautify the school and teach children about history. This mural will depict not only United States historical events, but historical events of North Carolina and Guilford County.

Recently, I had the opportunity to learn more about Dunn from her mother, Rachel Dunn.

Leslie Dunn was blessed to be in a family where caring for others, education and teaching were highly regarded.

The Dunn family moved to Greensboro from Gastonia in 1977. Rachel Dunn began teaching in the High Point school system and her husband, Jim, was an engineer with Burlington Industries.

"I taught choral music at all levels and completed 30 years of teaching and retired in July 1992," said Rachel Dunn.

In 1983-84, Rachel Dunn was recognized as "Teacher of the Year" by the High Point City Board of Education. She serves as a music adjudicator for The North Carolina Music Educators and The National Federation of Music Clubs.

Leslie Dunn's grandfather, Alfred C. Warlick Sr. was a career principal in the Gaston County school district. The Warlick Elementary School in Gaston County was named in his honor in 1963.

With a family legacy of educators, it is easy to understand Leslie Dunn's dream and desire to also serve in the noble field of educating our young generations.

Leslie Dunn was a graduate of Page High School. She graduated from Peace College in Raleigh and received her bachelor's degree, master's degree and specialist in education degree from Appalachian State University.

Leslie Dunn accomplished much as an educator. She taught at Welborn and Southwest middle schools in High Point. She became principal of Guilford Middle School, and, in 2002, she became principal of Bessemer Elementary. While there, she was honored as Principal of the Year in 2004.

"Leslie gave credit for this award to her faculty staff and students at Bessemer," said her mother, "and regarded it as an honor to the school and not just her."

With Leslie Dunn's passing, the Dunn family received an outpouring of letters from people who knew that she had "made a difference" in their lives and the lives of others. Here are some excerpts from a letter from Don and Sue Adair:

"In this life, we do not always know why hurtful things happen, especially to a person who had devoted her life to the children she loved, taught and guided through the difficult years of growing into adulthood.

"So it is up to us to allow God to wrap his arms around us and help us mend our spirits. You and Jim were her guiding lights as she grew in your care. You were God's gift to Leslie ... just as she was God's gift to you."

Kristen, a 10-year-old student, wrote, "When we had the Christmas play at Bessemer, I was sitting alone because my mom had to help the other kids I was scared of sitting alone, so Ms. Dunn sat with me, and I felt so much better. She always did so much to help and be kind to me."

Future generations will not have the pleasure of knowing "Ms. Dunn," but through the beautiful, historical murals at Pearce School, she will long be remembered.

William Mangum Fine Arts of Greensboro will oversee the mural artwork, which will be completed in the near future.

There will be 12 30 x 48 inch panels painted to represent about a 50-year span of history. The panels were created on fire-retardant material and will be protected by a safety glass to preserve them for at least the life of the school. It is hoped the murals will be completed to coincide with the celebration of Greensboro's bicentennial in 2008.

Rachel and Jim Dunn are active members of West Market Street United Methodist Church and live at River Landing at Sandy Ridge where Rachel Dunn provides piano music for the enjoyment of Sandy Ridge residents.

She also sings with the Women's Chorus and is the current president of the Greensboro Lecture League. She enjoys knitting newborn baby caps for the High Point Regional Hospital.

"We are still devastated by her death at the young age of 47, but are thankful that the Lord gave her to us for 47 years," said Rachel Dunn. "She was such a loving daughter and a devoted sister to her only brother, Alan, who lives in Orlando. She adored her three nephews, Justin, Alex and Kevin, who are now in college. Leslie never married, but had so many wonderful children to love her."

Her advice to others who have lost a child is "Live every day to its fullest and enjoy being with and loving your family -- especially your children."