UPDATE: A local teenager has successfully restored a memorial garden dedicated to a fallen Marine at Carmichael Elementary School, a project that has garnered community support and emotional resonance. Ayden Barcley, a student at Buena High School, unveiled the revitalized garden, honoring Corporal Phillip McGeath, who tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in 2018.
The restoration project took Barcley six months of dedicated planning, painting, and planting. The once-neglected rose garden, which symbolizes McGeath’s sacrifice, now blooms with vibrant colors, including a lavender rose to represent his Purple Heart and a yellow rose symbolizing a warm “welcome home.”
“This garden was run down and needed care,” Barcley said. “It had to be restored to honor him.”
The memorial garden had suffered from a lack of maintenance and proper water access, making its revival urgent. With this Eagle Scout project, Barcley has not only honored McGeath but also created a beautiful, usable space for students and community members to reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
Elizabeth Jimenez, principal of Carmichael Elementary School, expressed the significance of Barcley’s project, stating,
“We want to ensure that this rose garden is a place where people can come and remember him, and all those who have given their life in service to our country.”
On Monday, Barcley revealed the completed garden to local veterans and the school community, marking a proud moment in his journey toward earning the prestigious Eagle Scout award. “It feels amazing to see it done,” he added, reflecting on the personal satisfaction the project has brought him.
Barcley’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. “To come back and give back to a school in our district is meaningful for our students to see themselves through Ayden,” Jimenez noted, highlighting the inspiring impact of Barcley’s initiative.
As he approaches the final stages of his Eagle Scout award, Barcley’s dedication and hard work stand as a testament to the power of community service and remembrance. This project not only revitalizes a physical space but also strengthens the bonds within the community while honoring a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Stay tuned for more updates on local community initiatives and projects that showcase the spirit of giving back.
