Schools
Blue Mountain Hosts Annual Memorial Garden Ceremony
Middle Schoolers celebrate the memories of lost friends and teachers
On a hot and sunny Monday morning, June 22, members of the sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade classes at Blue Mountain Middle School met outdoors for three separate ceremonies to celebrate the school’s Memorial Garden.
The garden, which began nearly 30 years ago, is a large piece of land behind the school that features trees, shrubs, and individual plantings, as well as benches, plaques, and a gazebo, in memory of a number of individuals, both young and old, who have passed away but remain dear to the hearts of Blue Mountain’s students and staff.
Frank McCorry, the husband of the beloved late school nurse Margaret MC Corry and his children and grandchildren were on hand again this year. “They are obviously very grateful for what we all do and how we remember their beloved Margaret,” said Physical Education Teacher and project organizer Diane Swertfager. Mrs. McCorry’s grandchildren released several pink and blue balloons in her memory.
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Various students as well as staff members gave brief presentations explaining various aspect of the Memorial Garden. Throughout the year, Mrs. Swertfager said, more than 200 students have worked on weeding, trimming, transplanting, mulching, and planting in the garden. Teachers Amy Deegan and Diana Spano also assisted Mrs. Swertfager during the ceremony as well as throughout the year.
Mrs. Swertfager added, “The Flag Garden, front sign, and 8th-grade walkway are all taken care of by the students and the three advisors. It continues to be a labor of love!”
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The garden enjoys the support of the Blue Mountain PTA , which has donated shrubs, plants, benches, tools, shed, a bird bath, and more over the years. And PTA leader Lisa Goetchius recalled, “In 2007 and 2012 I brought the Frank G. Lindsey fifth-graders to BMMS to plant all of the daffodils that come up in the spring. It was a way for them to become involved with the gardens and their future school.”
Donations of mulch, plants, or other garden supplies and materials are always welcome. For more information, contact Mrs. Swertfager at diane.swertfager@henhudschools.org.
To view a slide show of the June 22 event, click HERE.
