Kelly Saiz
Reporter
Last June, Mary Long, who had been in the school system for 36 years, passed away. This year, students and faculty will commemorate Ms. Long by planting flowers around the library patio.
Students are asked to participate by bringing and planting flowers on Saturday, May 15 from 9:00 am until noon. Students and faculty are also welcomed to the Dedication Ceremony which will take place on Tuesday, May 25 at 2:20 pm.
Ms. Long, who counted The Secret Garden among her favorite books, was known for her passion for life and gardening. The idea of a commemorative garden was born from this passion. Ms. Long kept a garden in her Norwalk home that included flowers and vegetables. Librarian Sue Jacobsen, who knew Ms. Long for sixteen years, said that the garden will be a good sentiment to Ms. Long. “We all loved Mary and she adored her garden,” she said. “It’s a real tribute to her.”
Librarian Mariana Psenicnik said that Ms. Long was much more than a colleague. “I knew her first as a friend, second as a mentor, and third as a colleague,” she said. “She was so kind. Her life was like a garden.”
Mrs. Psenicnik expects the 15 by 2 foot garden to commemorate Ms. Long, as well as beautify the school. “The most wonderful thing will be to see it grow,” she said.
To sign up or find more information about how to get involved in the planting, visit the Long Garden website.
