Boat Named In Honor Of Late Westfield Principal

WESTFIELD, NJ - The ripples caused by the life and death of Westfield High School Principal Derrick Nelson continues to spread outward as the community continues to mourn the beloved educator. In fact, the Westfield Crew Team has christened their boat Dr. Derrick Nelson in his honor.

Nelson passed away last month after donating bone marrow to help an ill child overseas. The weeks since his death have been filled with in-person testimonials, social media remembrances and memorials large and small. Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 64, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff for a day, and a petition was started to rename Westfield High School in honor of the educator and veteran.

But the Westfield Crew Team acted immediately.

On Saturday, May 4 the Westfield Crew Team participated in the Long Island Rowing Championships Regatta that was held in Bayville, NY, in their newly-christened boat, the "Dr. Derrick Nelson."

According to the team, the name was changed as a tribute to Westfield High School's "amazing and admirable principal."

In the picture above from left, Tahani Ahmed, Taylor Dobson, Dan Carminio, Matt Eagan, Jeremy Heyder, Assistant Coach Dave Smelko and Head Coach Rob Greenwood share a smile around the boat, "Dr. Derrick Nelson."

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