TOMMY’S GARDEN

Students, scouts honor late classmate by tending to hundreds of flowers at school

WEST BRADFORD >> Three years after his death, friends of Tommy Slater have taken time to remember the West Bradford Elementary third-grader by tending to what they call Tommy’s Garden. The garden, full of more than 100 yellow daffodils that line the walkway to the entrance of school, was planted by Tommy’s family and friends in the fall following his death. Each year Scouts from the school have come together to mulch the garden and the school’s grounds in his honor.

“Tommy was a vivacious, lovable third-grader who was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth,” said Principal Dana Wert. “He was known

and loved by everyone at West Bradford. Tragically, his life was cut short by an accident in the fall of 2013.”

David Koup, 12, of Boy Scout Troop 52, organized this year’s activity. Enlisting Cub Scout Troop 152 and Girls Scout Troop Brownies 4029 and Cadets 493, the kids spent the evening hauling wheelbarrows of mulch into the garden, which holds over a hundred yellow daffodils.

“Yellow was Tommy’s favorite color,” said Tommy’s father, Sean Slater. “The Scouts do an amazing job every year, It’s a real tribute to him.”

Tommy had three brothers, Jay 11, Todd, 7, and John 5. All either attend or will attend West Bradford Elementary.

“We moved to the area to attend West Bradford,” said Slater. “The district has an incredible special needs program. Principal Wert and the school has been great.

In the fall the family and friends plant yellow mums in the garden on Sept. 24, the anniversary of Tommy’s death.

The family created an annual “High-Five Award” in Tommy’s name. It recognizes the West Bradford fifth-grader whom the staff feels best demonstrates outstanding character, with special emphasis on honesty, kindness, compassion, inclusion and respect.

The Downingtown Community Education Foundation memorial fund was also set up to benefit West Bradford Elementary School in Tommy’s name. Funds raised from this drive will benefit educational projects approved by Tommy’s parents.

“He was a great friend” said Koup, as he took a moment from helping move mulch. “I wish he was here to see this.”

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Lucas Chen,8, and Derrick Stang, 9, help tend to Tommy’s Garden at West Bradford Elementary School.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA West Bradford scouts from Boy Scout Troop 52, Cub Scout Troop 152, Girls Scout Brownies 4029 and Cadets 493 spent Thursday evening hauling wheelbarrows of mulch in memory of their friend Tommy Slater.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Tommy Slater, see in a family photo courtesy of the Slater family.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA West Bradford Boy Scout David Koup, 12, helps Sean Slater position the stone marker in Tommy’s Garden at West Bradford Elementary.