Memories bloom into new life

By Kath Gannaway
A MEMORIAL garden at Healesville High School stands as a tribute to students, staff and members of the wider school community who have died.
The memorial garden, first established in 2002, was upgraded last year following the tragic deaths of student Letecia Larsen and past student Stacie Lorgelly, both 16 years old, in a car crash at Coldstream in October 2007.
Their deaths, as have others in similar tragic circumstances before them, shattered the school community.
“These wonderful people have been daughters, brothers, mothers or friends. They have been special people to many,” school principal George Perini said at a dedication of the garden on Friday.
“Because of that we have tried to retain something that reminds us of those we have lost, something that helps us to recall their special qualities, a memorial that commemorates their lives, a special place to quietly reflect.”
He said the memorial garden would be central to the school’s imminent redevelopment plans.
“It will remain as an important feature in the school grounds,” he said.
Among those also remembered are Tricia O’Reilly who was 12 when she was killed as she waited to cross Maroondah Highway at the East End, Greg Blake who was 15 when he died in a car accident at Badger Creek, and 55-year-old teacher Mairi Murray who died in a car crash in the summer holidays of 1999.
Ms Murray was a popular teacher who inspired students to become involved in drama and led the way to a renewed interest in school productions and several entries in the Rock Eisteddfod.
Letecia’s father, Wayne Larsen, was instrumental in upgrading the garden, enlisting the help of friends and local businesses and organisations including Healesville Lions Club.
He said a day spent building the garden had been especially moving.
“I stood back and took a breath and was overwhelmed to be part of a community of such good people,” he said.
He said his family was still coming to terms with the sudden loss of Letecia.
“She loved school and loved kids. She was in the prime of her life, collecting friends and memories,” he said.
Tricia O’Reilly’s father, Peter, and her sisters also attended. Mr O’Reilly said his daughter had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He welcomed the recognition the memorial garden offered.
School captain Joe Kay laid a wreath and said that tragic circumstances had led to the development of the garden and that students valued what it represented.
“It is a place to reflect or pass quickly through, a place where you can enjoy conversations at length or read a book.
“Most importantly, it is a place that ensures the memory of these friends and family members,” he said.
Mr Larsen said the garden would be part of the school forever and would continue to grow.
“Let’s hope we only add plants, and not plaques, to this garden,” he said.