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Community Dedicates Courtyard in Memory of Mrs. Beth Shannon
Western Avenue Elementary School invited the community to attend a courtyard dedication and celebration in the memory of beloved teacher, Mrs. Beth Shannon, this weekend.

The event began with an open-house style tour of a new courtyard, bench, tree, and plaque that were installed outside of her classroom window. Attendees were invited to tie a ribbon to the fence around the Western Avenue Garden in her memory. The courtyard, tree and bench could not have been completed without the support of school staff, donations by the community and, of course, a touch of warmth and hope by its loving students. 

Based off the theme of the book "Only One You" by Linda Kranz, students and staff had painted undersea depictions on rocks, which adorn one section of the manicured garden. Friends, family, and former students of Mrs. Shannon were invited to speak during the ceremony, which also was marked with a special performance by the Western Avenue Choir.

On this day filled with both tears and laughter, and a unifying sense of community, attendees were touched by a hopeful message that stands on a sign within the walls of the courtyard, which Mrs. Shannon brought to all the lives she touched: "There's only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place."