Memorial Garden Planned in Honor of Young Bayport Student

A groundbreaking ceremony for a memorial garden, to be called ‘Carly’s Corner,’ will be held on June 3 in honor of  Bayport elementary student Carly Robin LeStrange who lost her battle with cancer just about one year ago.

The memorial garden, which will be built in the courtyard of Academy Street Elementary where the 10-year-old attended school, is the idea of a group of family, friends, classmates and educators. Carly was a third-grade student when she was diagnosed in the spring of 2010.

“Since the day Carly passed away last year, we had the idea of creating a memorial garden. We wanted to do something that would honor her memory in a way that would show how much we admired her courage and strength,” said a supporter of the project. “A few weeks ago, all of our ideas came together with the plan for the "Carly's Corner" groundbreaking ceremony.”

The project is something Academy Street families can participate in creating, as well Carly’s classmates, explained the supporter.

The school PTA is donating a stone bench for the garden. Those interested in making a donation in honor of Carly can donate to ‘Pal-o-Mine Equestrian, Inc.’ or ‘The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation' and sent to Academy Street School/Attn: Carly’s Corner. The school's address is 150 Academy Street.

”Carly has always been a horse lover. She was the smallest one in her 'Pony Club' and always surprised the competition with her equestrian skills. During the time Carly was sick, she had the opportunity to visit Pal-o-Mine and enjoy her love of horses,” said the project supporter.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony at 7 p.m., attendees will walk through the Bayport Commons Park  to the Memorial Cancer Garden on Middle Road for a brief candlelight ceremony.