Memorial Trees Considered for Upper Moreland High School Students

The Aug. 16 Budget and Finance Committee of the reviewed two letters of request to approve the planting of memorial trees of district students who have passed away.

A Memorial Tree for Dayna Irwin

The first letter was sent to the district’s business manager Michael Braun by principal Joy Perisho, who wrote on behalf of members of the Class of 2011.

According to the letter, the class requests permission from the board to plant a dogwood tree, which they would purchase themselves, in the memory of class member Dayna Irwin, who passed away in 2009.

Past news reports state she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2007 at the age of 14.

Braun told the board that a memorial scholarship has been set up in Irwin’s name.

The tree would cost around $300, according to Braun.

“She was well-loved,” he said.

According to the letter, the Class of 2011 would like the dogwood planted near a bench that is dedicated to Irwin, located outside the high school library. The class further requested that the tree-planting occur on or around Oct. 1 this year, when the students will have a homecoming from college.

“I support this tribute to Dayna by her classmates and hope that the Board of School Directors will concur that this is an appropriate memorial,” Pershio wrote in the letter.

A Memorial Tree for Capt. William Ahlum

The committee also considered a letter from Class of 1961 graduate Leon Ahlum, who requested that a memorial tree be planted in honor of his brother and classmate, Capt. William Ahlum.

According to the letter, Capt. William Ahlum was one of the first casualties of the Vietnam War from UMHS, while in service.

“Bill was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a ‘V’ for Valor following his death,” Leon Ahlum said.

Leon Ahlum, who currently resides in New Wilmington, PA, was also a district employee from 1966 to 1981.

He wrote that his request had come from a suggestion by state .

“Representative Murt has done a lot for those who served,” Braun stated to the committee.

Braun added that Rep. Murt’s office is also considering the creation of a memorial plaque for Capt. William Ahlum, in conjunction with the memorial tree.

Both requests have been moved forward by the committee and await final approval at next week’s regular school board meeting.