By William Meiners
Herald Staff Writer
[private] The loss of a child can be almost unimaginable heartbreak for families, even communities. On Monday, the Fulton School community gathered to dedicate a memorial tree at the high school. The tree honors all Fulton students — past, present, and future — lost far too early.
The most recent tragedy came with the loss of Adalynn Hinds early this year. Described as a “beautiful, caring, and remarkable young student,” Hinds was honored with the tree dedication on what would have been her 13th birthday.
Sarah Koves, Fulton principal at the middle school/high school, opened the ceremony with her remarks.
“Today, we gather here to dedicate this memorial tree to honor and remember the Fulton students who have passed away over the years, as well as students we may lose in the future,” she said. “This tree will serve as a living symbol of their memory and as a reminder to us all of their contributions to our school community. May it serve as a place to gather and remember them all.”
Koves spoke about the heartbreaking experience of losing someone so young, as well as the rippling effects throughout a community.
“We have lost young individuals who had so much potential, so much to offer the world, and so much to give to our school,” she said. “Their absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but this memorial tree will help us keep their memory alive.”
Along with the dedicated tree, their lives are honored and the gifts they shared are celebrated. “We remember their laughter, their kindness, their generosity, and their accomplishments,” Koves said. “We cherish the memories we have of them, and we hold them in our hearts always.”
The ceremony also included the following poem, written by Adalynn’s mother, and read by Trina Blair and Carrie Kirkpatrick.
When you left this world, and the school in which you grew.
Your classmates and those that love you, painted the school rock blue.
The winter turns to spring.
Snow melts and flowers bloom.
Your memory will always be with us, even when the rock changes hue.
The color of our lives blend as do the seasons.
This is a process we all journey through, just like the rock changed to white from blue.
It doesn’t mean you have been forgotten, that could never be true.
Love isn’t held in paint; it is carried from within.
We will live our lives moving forward in remembrance and grace.
A hopeful smile, and a helping hand forever remain in your place.
Love, Mom
Adalynn’s family and friends also released white balloons into the sky as a birthday wish for her.
“It is our hope that this beautiful memorial tree will become a place where family and friends of all the students our school community has lost over the years can gather to remember their lives, share memories, and celebrate birthdays or other events,” said Tom Torok, Fulton Schools superintendent. “We also want to continue to promote awareness and understanding of student mental health issues. So as a school and community we can prevent future tragedies.”
The school also hopes to promote and draw attention to HINDSight, a scholarship fund started in Adalynn’s honor by her family to raise awareness for mental health issues and provide a scholarship in her memory to carry her spirit forward. The athletic department and athletic boosters are also planning a fundraising event for Adalynn’s HINDSight scholarship during the Fulton Invitational on Saturday, May 13.
If you would like to learn more about HINDSight or wish to make a donation, please contact Mrs. Koves at the school. She can be reached via email at kovess@fultonpirates.net
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