JCHS Science Club plants tree in memory of former student

From left, Brandon Wade, C.J. Elmore, Mackenzie Walker, Anthony Coggins and Krysten Fail plant a tree in memory of Danielle Deiteman. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

The Jenkins County High School (JCHS) Science Club planted a tree in memory of Danielle Dieteman, a past president of the club. Danielle was an active member of the Science Club during the four years she attended JCHS. Danielle always looked for the good in others and wanted to leave things better than she found them. Mrs. Donna Boone, Science Club sponsor, and the Science Club members thought that planting a tree would serve as a living memorial of Danielle's values and commitment to make this world a better place.

The tree planting ceremony was held Feb. 29 at JCHS. The JCHS Science Club members with the help of Jennifer Brinson, JCHS history teacher, planted the Sawtooth Oak donated by the Georgia Forestry Jenkins County Unit. An oak tree is known for its strength, a trait that Danielle was also known for. In particular, the sawtooth oak is a highly prized tree for wildlife enthusiasts because of the short time it takes to produce acorns. Danielle, present in this life for only a short time, was also fruitful in her labor. She was a devoted animal lover beginning her studies to become a veterinarian. The memorial tree will serve as a visual reminder that although Danielle's life on this earth was short the impact she made on the hearts and lives of those who knew her will be long remembered.

Danielle's family, teachers and friends attended the ceremony.