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On Monday, May 8, 2023, a schoolwide Memorial Tree Dedication was presented at Eagle Lake Intermediate School in memory of Drae’dyn Fuller who would have been a fourth grader this year. He and his father, Deshaune Fuller, a much-loved youth sports coach in Eagle Lake, died in a car accident in September 2021. The Eagle Lake Noon Lions Club provided the Memorial oak tree through the donations of Glueck Tree Farm, Cat Spring, Texas.
Community in Schools Site Coordinator Elma Rodriguez planned and organized the presentation and was the main speaker. After giving LaJoya Fuller, Drae’dyn’s mother, a bouquet of roses, Rodriguez read a poem and then described Drae’dyn’s good-natured character, relating positive memories from his classmates. She said that the oak tree represents wisdom, strength and endurance, traits that Drae’dyn exhibited in the classroom and with his teammates.
The program ended with the Fourth-Grade class singing the popular song “Lean on Me” under the direction of Music Teacher, Hannah Schoppe.
The Eagle Lake Noon Lions Club will complete phase two of the Memorial this summer with the installation of a bench near the tree creating a quiet place to think and remember.
The poem by Jennifer Betts that Mrs. Rodriguez read about Drae’dyn’s Tree: Remember Me Remember me. As solid as an oak. Remember me. Sweet as a new blossom.
Remember me. Each day protecting you. Remember me. Keeping you securely in my branches.
Remember me. When the wind rustles my leaves.
Remember me. Because I am with you.
