A new memorial garden dedicated to former student Chris Koppany has officially opened at Lift Ryde, creating a permanent space for reflection following more than a year of planning and construction.
The Chris Koppany Memorial Garden was officially opened on Monday (29th June), with members of the local community, staff and students joined by Ryde Mayor Councillor Karen Lucioni, representatives from Haylands Farm and Chris’ parents, Glenn and Michelle Koppany.
Councillor Lucioni formally opened the garden by cutting a red ribbon before guests were invited to explore the new space.
Features of the garden include a sapling grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree, a sculpture created by the school’s art department and a bench engraved with lines from one of Chris’ poem, I Will Resist.
Alongside commemorating Chris, the garden includes memorial plaques dedicated to former students Sasha Martin, Dean Smith, Laura Nelson, Ross Hayward, Rosina Adams and Ben Boon, all of whom tragically died while attending the school. A further plaque honours former teacher Dan Benson, who sadly died while teaching at the school when it was known as Ryde Academy.
During the ceremony, Chris’ parents placed mulch around the memorial tree before a speech was delivered by Mr Doyle. Chris’ poem, I Will Resist, was then read aloud.
Guests were invited to write messages in memory of loved ones on ribbons, which were tied to the garden fence to create a wall of remembrance.
Lift Ryde says the memorial garden will provide a safe and peaceful place for reflection for both the school community and members of the public.
