First-Grader Raises Money for Dead Classmate's Family

Spring Lake, N.C. — Family and friends remembered a 7-year-old girl Thursday night, five days after she drowned while playing with friends in a pond near her home.

Jay Lynn Dumas had a lot of friends, from her black Labrador to people in the neighborhood to her first-grade classmates at Manchester Elementary School.

"She's got so many friends here. I mean, I'm talking from 3 years old to 81, to 71," said her father, Brent Dumas.

Shania Shinn was one of Jay Lynn's friends. She and her mother solicited businesses throughout Spring Lake to help the Dumas family following Jay Lynn's death.

"I raised up money. I raised up $357," Shania said. "I went to people, and I asked them if they could help this little girl because she just died."

Teacher Louise Green said it would be hard to find a 6-year-old more compassionate than Shania.

"I was amazed, and I was very proud. She's an asset to the class and the school," Green said.

"I'm very proud to know my daughter knew someone who cared about her that much," Debbie Dumas said.

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Latest Comments

Thank you for this story - I definitely needed it. Shania's parents must be so proud.

QT3.14
June 8, 2007 3:44 p.m.

priceless.

39 going on 25
June 8, 2007 2:51 p.m.

This story just brought tears to my eyes. You know, we can learn alot from kids. Good for you Shania, and prayers to the Dumas family. So sorry for your loss. God bless.

SOCLOSE
June 8, 2007 2:37 p.m.

Hey i think what shania did was great and i think that the little girl who was with her that day is a brave soul to see her friend drowning and started sreaming for help at least thats what i was told .I also wanted to let you know that on July14th at a local bar in spring lake called the swamp off of manchester road there is going to be a benifet for the Dumas Family to help raise money for the funeral cost.This Benifit is being ran by the owner of the swamp and by gene forshey a friend of the dumas family.So please we are asking for your support and donations .There will be food sold there at $6.oo a plate which will all go to the dumas family.thank you