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The Children's Center Plants Tree in Memory of 15-Year-Old
Friday, May 25, 2007
Contact Jeannie Peng - 601.266.5568
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Sometimes a symbol means far more than just representation. It can capture a presence.
Rebekah Elizabeth Harrison's life was cut short, but her presence will always be felt at The Children's Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi in the form of an oak tree, planted this week in memory of the girl everyone knew as "Beth".
"Beth was full of life and love," said her father, Kevin Harrison. "To know that she can settle on the branches of this tree and watch these children she loved so dearly means the world to me."
Beth suddenly died at the age of 15 in February by a brain aneurism, but the impact she made on the center continues beyond her years.
Youngsters at the Children's Center for Communication and Development at Southern Miss help shovel dirt around the base of a 20-foot oak tree planted on campus this week in memory of 15-year-old Rebekah Elizabeth Harrison, who volunteered at the center before her death in February. (Southern Miss Photo by Steve Rouse)
About three years ago, her parents, Kevin and Wanda Harrison of Heritage Vision Center, decided to contribute their time and money to a local charity. The decision was sealed once Beth found out that it would involve children at The Children's Center for Communication and Development.
"I was sold after one tour of the facility," said Kevin Harrison. "Beth was sold as soon as I mentioned kids. Each time I came to the center without her, she was upset. Being home-schooled afforded her the opportunity to visit during the day when the kids were there."
After Beth died, Harrison said the extent of his daughter's passion to help children came to light. "After she passed away I got into her computer, and bookmarked on her browser were two sites dedicated to fundraising," Harrison said. "She even began to make chains for eyeglasses for me to sell in my store so that the proceeds could go to the Children's Center."
Because of her service at the center, a memorial fund set up in her name continues to grow - as with her impact and now, the oak tree, which was specifically chosen based on its teen age.
Center director Margaret Buttross-Brinegar said Beth was truly a dedicated friend to the children.
"On her visits to the center you could see the interest she had in the children and the compassion she felt for them," she said. "This tree symbolizes the future of this center and the children it serves while remembering a young friend who cared deeply about them."
Buttross-Brinegar said future plans are to add benches and a plaque.
"I hope that her story of unselfishness will be told to all of the children and parents who happen to come and sit at Beth's tree," Harrison said.
Anyone who wishes to donate money to The Children's Center for Communication and Development Fund # 0346, in memory of Rebekah Elizabeth Harrison, may contact Buttross-Brinegar at 601.266.5222.
Kirby Haden, owner of Shades of Green Lawn Care & Landscape, Mike Callecod, branch manager of Skinner Nurseries, and Sid Krhut, grounds director for the University of Southern Misssisippi worked together with their crews to plant the tree while the children, families and staff of The Children's Center for Communication and Development look on.