Fond memories of a very special woman brought together a crowd of family and friends to honor the memory of Woodland Heights Elementary teacher Margie Michael during a dedication ceremony on Thursday mornng.
The Margie Michael Learning Garden, located in front of Woodland Heights Elementary, was finished and in full bloom as it was dedicated.
“This is a beautiful, beautiful addition to our campus as well as an opportunity for our students and teachers to learn and grow with the flowers,” stated Woodland Heights Principal Jenny Roberts. “As the newest faculty member at Woodland, I did not get the honor to know her, but oh the stories I have heard. Thank you to her family for all the hours that she gave. Know that her stories are alive and well at Woodland Heights.”
The second and third grade choirs sang happy songs, and memories of Michael were recounted by her friend and colleague Nancy Lowry. A hardworking, giving and caring woman was described as she spoke of Micheal.
“One thing about Margie was what you saw was what you got. She was hard working, always working two or three jobs, she wanted Mitzi to have every opportunity,” stated Lowry. “She ran our social committee, the Sunshine Committee. She planned staff activities that she did not get to attend because she was working another job.”
Michael taught for 37 years, 7 of them at Woodland, and was a big part of the original learning gardens at the school. Upon her sudden passing, coworkers Christy Wilson and Woodland Heights then principal Bob Turner came up with the idea of a memorial garden in her name. Turner was instrumental in securing a $10,000 grant from the Goodies Corporation that according to Roberts made the idea turn into something so much bigger and better.
“Future students at Woodland Heights will have the opportunity to have hands on experience made possible by this garden,” said Lowry.
Contributors and sponsors of the garden are Home Depot, Sweetwater Steel, Ingram Concrete, Brasher and Co., Dan Morelock Construction, Jared Morelock Construction, Design for All Seasons, Kirby Metal Art, First Choice Home Improvement and Goody’s Grant Funding.
Pictured above is the family of Margie Michael: Walker Leach, Heather Leach, Margaret Copeland, Mitzi Cockerham, Jason Cockerham and Peyton Cockerham.
Below are pictures of the dedication ceremony.
Students in 2nd & 3rd grade choirs sang during the ceremony.
Margie Michael Family with donors, BISD staff and PTO.
Peyton Cockerham, grandaughter of Michael, enjoys playing in the garden and discovering pretty flowers.
