THE GARDEN

GARDEN DEDICATION - May 16, 2024

  • Nolan Davidson Memorial Garden

    In the summer of 2023, Christa McAuliffe Elementary was selected as one of the 24 schools across the country to receive a $25,000 garden grant from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. Construction began that fall with the help of Shawnee Mission School District and their contribution of an extra $15,000 to create the signage and paved walkways that made the garden accessible to all. On September 23rd, 2023 the initial buildout was completed and Nolan couldn't wait to take his very own walk-through the the new addition at his school.


    "That shared moment will be one that I will cherish forever, as I knew how excited he was to have a garden at his school," said Ashlee Davidson.

    Nolan's love for gardening developed at a young age, mostly due to a next door neighbor who had an incredible garden. You could often find him hanging over the fence inquiring about certain vegetables and even trying them straight out of the dirt. He later helped build a raised garden bed in his back yard, which he loved tending to and enjoyed growing new things. Nolan loved learning and the connection that came from it.


  • As the garden remained dormant that winter, before it's first planting season, so did the hearts of the McAuliffe community after losing their dear friend and classmate. As many hard months passed, the community wanted to show their continued support for Nolan and so they presented the idea to name the garden after him. “We really want to make sure Nolan’s name stays at the school and isn’t forgotten, and it’s not going to be forgotten,” said Principal Michael Orr

    On May 16th, 2024 what would have been Nolan's 10th birthday, the Nolan Davidson Memorial Garden was officially opened. Nearly 100 people from the school and community gathered for the dedication. Today the garden consists of 17 raised garden beds, native perennials bordering the pathways, beautiful arched trellis', picnic tables, and awnings for outdoor classroom learning.  

    We invite you to stop by and enjoy the beautiful garden. While you're there, take the time to pause and remember Nolan. What a gift it is for all the seeds he planted in those around him in his short nine years. 


    "So let us not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." Galatians 6:9
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