Memorial Tree Unveiled at Durand Elementary School

Photos of the event are available here

A memorial tree honoring deceased former students and staff members at Durand Elementary School was unveiled in ceremonies held Tuesday in the foyer of the school on West Forest Grove Road.

The tree, designed by artist Raymond Berger of Baltimore, is constructed of polished bronze, chrome and brass. It was funded entirely by donations.

The project was the brainchild of Marion Blakeman, a teacher with 34 years of service at Durand, as a way to remember the 47 people whose lives -- and passing --- have made an impact at the school.

“I was approached by Mrs. Blakeman, who had this idea of making a memorial to those people who have passed through the halls of Durand and who are no longer with us,” said Dale Horner, Durand Principal. “These are the people we chose to remember.”

“We went to our school leadership committee, and they unanimously agreed this was a tremendous idea,” said Mrs. Horner. “We discussed the idea of a perpetual garden; we discussed the idea of a pathway made out of pavers with the names of people inscribed on them. Nothing seemed right.”

At about that time, Mrs. Blakeman attended a Sugarloaf Arts and Crafts Festival and met Berger. Said Mrs. Horner, “Marion came to me and said, ‘I found exactly what we need.’The rest, as they say, is history.”

“My inspiration for this memorial came after a long-time volunteer passed away,” said Mrs. Blakeman. “She came to our school three days a week. At the end of each week, her parting words were ‘see you Monday, God willing’. One weekend a car accident ended her career. I was absolutely devastated. I saw my students blossom under her guidance and service. But I also so how, through the years, these same children gave her a new sense of worth. Her death and the fact that I too am getting older, made me reflect on the many people I have encountered in this school during my career. Because I am Cumberland County’s coordinator for Hadassah memorial trees in Israel, I thought a tribute for her and for all others who are deceased would be appropriate.”

“Each leaf on this tree memorializes an individual we are honoring,” said Mrs. Blakeman. “Our former students make up the largest group of honorees. Each of these students left his or her mark with the staff they encountered. Our beloved Durand teachers gave their all to make each child work to their potential while being showered with a sense of love and belonging to this school. Our cafeteria staff not only offered wholesome meals to our children but did much to keep our staff happy and fulfilled. Our secretaries and classroom aides helped the teachers and students in so many ways. Lastly, were the volunteers --- some handicapped and others our senior citizens --- who gave to our children. Some of these volunteers made Durand their home each week for almost 20 years.”

“Just as leaves sustain the tree, your loved ones sustain Durand School,” she said. “Whatever their impact, it will always be felt. It will always be part of our history. I thank you for sharing your loved ones with us. Please remember they will always be part of the Durand family. We will see to that.”

A memorial book documenting the lives and passing of those whose names grace the memorial tree was also made public for the first time. “For those of you who have lost a loved one,” said Mrs. Blakeman, “I understand how important it is to see their memory live on.”

The event was videotaped by VPS Broadcasting and will be aired on Channel 13 next week.Check the schedule for updates