Each year the Bourne Public Schools pays tribute to school-age children who have passed away and are memorialized in the district’s memorial garden. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools) As part of the ceremony, students placed flowers on the bricks as a way to remember and honor the lives of the students whose names are featured in the garden (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools) 
Names of each student memorialized in the garden were read by current members of the Student Council. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools) 
The Bourne High School Chorus and Bourne High School Band participated in the ceremony. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
BOURNE — Members of the Bourne Public Schools community came together this week to remember the lives of Bourne’s school-age children who have passed away over the years.
Each year the Bourne Public Schools pays tribute to these students during a memorial garden ceremony. The memorial garden, which is located between the Bourne High School and Bourne Middle School buildings, features a brick display with the names of former students from across all grade levels. A large rock sits at the head of the garden that reads, “You are ever a part of our lives.”
As part of the ceremony held on Thursday, May 26, students placed flowers on the bricks as a way to remember and honor the lives of the students whose names are featured in the garden. The student-run event is organized by the Bourne Student Council.
Student Council representative Mia Madge began the ceremony with opening remarks.
“All of us have come together for a common purpose, to honor and remember those students who have passed on before us. Each one of these students was, and continues to be a part of our lives, and they hold a special place in our hearts,” Madge said. “As we approach Memorial Day weekend, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the precious time we did get to spend with them. More than just students, they were sons, daughters, siblings and friends to us. We honor and continue to remember them today.”
A moment of silence was held in honor of the students, and student Grace Russell read an original poem she had written for the occasion.
A parting blessing was performed by the Bourne High School Chorus, and “Amazing Grace” was performed by the Bourne High School Band.
Flowers were then placed on the bricks in the garden.
Madge read the names of each student memorialized in the garden, while flowers were placed by students Addison Dion, Courtney Greene, Caleigh Wrighter, Audrey Caron, Ava Fenton and Kiley Reed.
“The Light Eternal” was performed by the Bourne High School Band to conclude the ceremony.
Student Council advisor Tracey Francis helped oversee the ceremony.
“The annual memorial garden ceremony is a special event when we remember and pay tribute to those students who are no longer with us,” Bourne High School Principal Amy Cetner said. “I want to particularly recognize the hard work of our Student Council and music groups who made the ceremony possible, and who presented themselves in such a respectful and professional manner.”
###
