Crestview School District honors teacher

Staff report

columbiana

The Crestview School District honored the life of Becky Garrod, a teacher who died this year after a battle with breast cancer, with a special tree planted in her honor.

Garrod’s two daughters, Jody and Jessica, her mother and her husband attended the celebration of Becky’s life this week.

A red sunset maple tree was planted close to the elementary-school playground. Since Garrod had a passion for reading, the staff plans to take their classes outside to utilize the tree as a “reading tree.”

Garry Garrod, Becky’s husband, will be building a circular bench that will surround the tree.

Students also planted more than 300 pink flowers at the entrance of the school as a remembrance of the teacher.

“As visitors come to Crestview Elementary School this summer, they will immediately be surrounded by the beds of bright, pink flowers, much like we were all surrounded by Becky’s love and happiness,” said staff member Tiffany Sell.

A scholarship fund has been set up in Garrod’s name. Contributions can be made to Nancy Dicken, CEA Treasurer, 44100 Crestview Road, Suite C, Columbiana, OH 44408. Indicate that the donation is for the Becky Garrod Scholarship. The first scholarship will be offered for the 2011-12 school year.

Garrod graduated from East Palestine High School and then attended Geneva College, graduating with a degree in early-childhood education.

She began her teaching career with the East Palestine City Schools. She also taught at the New Waterford Play and Learn Preschool before joining Crestview.

During her tenure at Crestview, Garrod worked with hundreds of community mentors in the HOSTS (Helping One Student To Succeed) program and also taught kindergarten.

“Becky was loving, patient, compassionate, nurturing and supportive and had a great sense of humor,” said Nancy Tompkins, HOSTS coordinator. “Her laugh could light up a room.”