High school students build garden in memory of friend, peer
Posted May 24, 2012 By Stacey Roy
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Stacey Roy, Smiths Falls EMC
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EMC News - In his senior year of high school Josiah Grant's life was cut tragically short, but his friends and teachers at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) want to ensure his memory continues to grow and thrive inside the school's newly created forest garden. Stacey Roy, Smiths Falls EMC
"A forest concept is what we're trying to go for," explained Pam Craig, who is leading the development.
She and other staff and students met at 8 a.m. Friday, May 18 to begin the initial planting of trees and shrubs on the grounds leading to the football field. The project began as part of the Environmental Club's efforts to green their school. Thanks to the high school's gold Eco School standing, SFDCI was granted $500 grant from the school yard greening program.
"We knew right away we were going to buy trees," Craig said.
When Grant unexpectedly died April 4 after falling during track and field practice, the idea to plant the forest-inspired greenery in his honour was born. Earlier this year students' council hosted a Minute to Win It fundraiser and donated their $500 in proceeds to Josiah's garden. Parent council added $100 making it possible to purchase almost $1,000 in trees and shrubs from Green Acres. A mixture of maples, a locus tree and native shrubs were purchased for the garden this time, but plans are in place to add evergreens and birch trees in the future.
"It's something we're going to build on every year," Craig said.
A number of Grant's good friends took part in the building last Friday, saying they wanted to help create the garden so everyone knew Jo was a great guy and that even a young life will be remembered.
"No matter who you are we'll remember you," said Tanner Flinn, one of Jo's friends.
When the news of Grant's death reached his friends April 4 they reached out to his friend in British Columbia who then went out to the beach and built an Inukshuk in Grant's name. Back at SFDCI, his friends built their version of the native directional statue at Grant's locker and have plans to expand on this in the memorial garden. Materials are now being collected through donation to build a large Inukshuk in Grant's name.
"We thought it was a good idea so we felt like he was felt for from here to British Columbia," Flinn said.
Their hope is to have the statue built before the end of this school year so that all students returning for the 2012-2013 academic year will be greeted by this symbol of their former peer.
Carly McGrath said her friend Jo was commonly known for his unique blue shoes and willingness to pick up someone's day before thinking of himself.
"He always had the biggest smile on his face," she said.
She and other friends of Grants are hoping to have their friend's sports number retired by the school.
sroy@perfprint.ca
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