Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Origin Bank donated $200 in honor of late educator and community activist Cleora Dunn. The donation was received by Stacie Sylvestri, principal of Barkdull Faulk Elementary, along with Dunn's children Joshua Ross, Caleb Ross, and Zakaevia Ross on January 7, 2021. The donation was presented to representatives of Barkdull Faulk and the family of Cleoria Dunn. "It's a real honor to do this in memory of Cleoria. She had such a positive impact on so many people. She really loved her students and had a real passion for what she did. She will be dearly missed," said Billy Haddad, SVP of Origin Bank. Dunn passed away in August of 2020 but her passion for education, enthusiasm for her community, and legacy of community service will never be forgotten. She wrote and recorded the inspirational song "My Mind is a Pearl" to encourage learners everywhere. She also successfully coordinated "Happy Week," which is a week dedicated to serving and donating food and clothing to the homeless. The career educator had been teaching in Monroe City Schools but had taught throughout Northeast Louisiana during her tenured career. Her achievements and legacy will live on through those she touched.