Oxford High School

OHS Students and Parent/Guardian(s) -

On Saturday, June 4, we held our second student courtyard clean up at OHS.  Many students volunteered their morning and afternoon to continue the efforts of beautifying these outside spaces.  They have committed themselves all semester to this effort and our courtyards are looking amazing as a result.  This hard work will pave the way for their additional plans of honoring the students we lost and those who were injured.  Outside of the main entrance and north side of our building, four Cherry Blossom trees were also planted to honor the four students who were taken from us in November.  Many students and student groups have brainstormed the idea of planting trees and it quickly became a popular idea this winter and spring.  One student, fourth-year OSEC Senior, Ryan Patterson, chose to turn this idea into his OSEC Capstone project.  Ryan’s detailed proposal took shape earlier this spring with the help from Matt Comparoni of Cutrite Lawncare and Landscaping.  Matt volunteered his time, staff and equipment on Saturday to plant our four Cherry Blossom trees, including the beautiful landscaping.  Matt was able to graciously receive the trees as a donation from David Soulliere of Landscape Source.  He also partnered with Don Nelson from Jan Steel Company who donated an impressive sign that includes a quote Ryan Patterson found and others adored.  This quote explains what the Cherry Blossom trees represent to our school community and we’ve included it within the photos shared in this communication.  

We want to thank the many students and staff who have committed to the work in our courtyards and their future plans of honoring our students.  We want to thank Senior, Ryan Patterson, for his idea, planning and dedication to the Cherry Blossom tree project.  Lastly, we want to thank Matt Comparoni, Don Nelson and David Soulliere for their donations, their time and support.  We are humbled, honored and thankful to have so many of our community members and Oxford neighbors reaching out to offer their help and support.  Although the work done this weekend is not a part of the permanent memorial our Board of Education and community will be working on, it’s an important step in our healing for our school community.  

Sincerely, 

Steve Wolf

Principal - Oxford High School