River Woods School dedicates garden to remember principal
River Woods Elementary students now have a constant reminder of the kind of adults former Principal Laura Peterson hoped they'd grow into.
The Naperville school recently dedicated its new Pride Garden in honor of Peterson, who died in May at age 60 after battling cancer.
Peterson spent more than 30 years working in Naperville Unit District 203, including two as assistant principal of River Woods and the past three years as its principal.
The garden is named after an initiative Peterson started called PRIDE - Perseverance, Respect/Responsibility, Integrity, Decision-making and Excellence.
Staff members at the garden dedication wore red shirts reading, "PRIDE is our guide," and made it the school's theme for the year, according to Principal Robyn Rippel.
"So we can continue Mrs. Peterson's excellence in education with all that we do because of all that she did," Rippel said. "Especially with that continuous and everlasting smile everyone saw all the time."
The garden project actually began before Peterson's death, a joint effort of the principal, Home and School President Diana Derbas and Joe Frantik, 2004 River Woods graduate who made the garden his Eagle Scout project.
"It was overgrown, kids weren't in it, it was deserted," Frantik said. "I just felt like I could make this space useful again."
The garden now includes a variety of plants and flowers as well as benches. Students planted 100 daffodil bulbs during the dedication ceremony as a symbol of hope.
"As monarchs pollinate and care for each flower, Mrs. Peterson cared for each of us," fifth-grader Trevor Hale said. "When we walk through this beloved garden filled with prospering flowers we will remember this is what Mrs. Peterson wanted for each of us."
Classmate Skylar Meredith said just hearing Peterson's name brings back memories.
"Like how every time I looked at her she was always smiling," Skylar said. "Or like when I talked to her it was like talking to one of my very best friends. She was always so calm and friendly."
Derbas said she hopes the garden will be a "comfortable place for children to read a book, chase butterflies and share stories with a friend." Those who visit it will be reminded of Peterson by a plaque in her honor that reads, "Forever our leader, teacher and friend."
"As a parent I'm so grateful that my children will attend a school led by such a caring compassionate person who knew the importance of teaching character as well as ABCs and 1-2-3s," Derbas said.
Peterson's husband, Lee, was among the family members in attendance at the dedication along with a daughter and two grandsons.
"This is just overwhelming to have such an outpouring of love from the community," Lee said. "They have been so supportive and just caring. It's a real testament to what Laura did in the community."