Tiogue School Dedicates Peace Garden

Students and teachers from , along with family and friends gathered on the school's playground on Thursday to celebrate the newly-constructed "Peace Garden".

The crowd recognized Ethan Spearman, 18, of Boy Scout Troop 147 Quidnesset who created the garden for the school as part of his Eagle Scout project. He created six wooden garden boxes that students will plant flowers in, as well as center "Peace Garden", complete with "Peace Pole".

Each individual garden was dedicated by the school, to six faculty members who are retiring at the end of this school year. The six retirees are: Secretary Edna Ferrari, first grade teacher Susan Marron, third grade teacher Deborah Kolling, staff members Karen Maleski and Millie Drowne and custodian Jeannie Roy.

With the help of the students, singer Lisa Lachance began the ceremony with the song "You're a Grand Old Flag", followed by readings from a selected few fifth grade students of quotes designed to create and enforce inspiration and world peace, as is the purpose of the gardens planted. Ethan and the Spearman family were then asked to come forth to honor each of the retirees with a plaque with their name placed in front of one each bed.

Each of the garden beds will be cared for by an assigned grade.

Thanks were given to Ethan not only by Ed and Kerry Bove, heads of the Playground Committee, but also by students in the crowd.

Principal Louise Seitsinger explained that the Playground Committee is currently in the process of actively fundraising in order for the purpose of reconstructing the playground. Ethan’s contribution was simply the first step of many to come.

Ethan stated that his goal of this project was to create a “long lasting effect on the community”.