Holley students Mackenzy Nenni (left), Kayla’s sister, and Alizae Malone, Kayla’s classmate, in the garden created in her memory. Provided photoHelping first graders cope with the loss of classmate Kayla Rose Nenni became a school-wide effort at Holley Elementary School. Staff used the book, Hope is an Open Heart, by Lauren Thompson to talk to students about ways to stay positive and peaceful when they are sad, experience pain, and when bad things happen.
After discussing the book, each student received a paper butterfly on which he or she finished the sentence, “I have hope when … .” “The butterfly symbolizes hope because it comes from the dark place of its cocoon and emerges as something beautiful,” said Wanda Farrell, school counselor.
In the school’s courtyard, Debbie Henry, school maintenance worker, planted and cares for a butterfly bush that was donated by Lynnette Short, special education teacher. “The bush was bare when we planted it, but we told students that soon it would grow into a beautiful plant – again symbolizing the metamorphosis we go through as we heal,” said Farrell.
Students and staff then gathered around the memory garden with Kayla’s family to celebrate her memory.
