Laurel Plains School Remembers Caitlin Powers

With poetry, music and a ceremonial launch of pink baloons, the students, faculty and parents of Laurel Plains Elementary School in New City dedicated a new garden in memory of fourth-grader Caitlin Powers.

Caitlin, 9, of New City died Jan. 25 from a brain hemorrhage.

With a beautiful sunny morning for the ceremony, fourth- and fifth-graders of the school on Teakwood Drive gathered to dedicate the garden, which was organized with the help of the Laurel Plains PTA.

The dedication included poetry read by fourth-grade teachers, and music played by fifth-grade students. The dedication also members of Caitlin's family - including her sister, Kerrin, and brother, Ryan, who is a Laurel Plains student.

"It was a wonderful event," said Clarkstown school board president Phillip DeGaetano. "Reality hits home when you see incidents like this involving our children. The kids are our real treasures, and I've learned this even more being on the school board."

DeGaetano said the Laurel Plains staff and social workers have worked closely with students to help them cope with the loss of a fellow student.