CAPE SCHOOL LONG WILL REMEMBER THIRD-GRADER

The statue of an angel and an ornate bench overlooking a flower garden are the gentle remembrances of a third-grader at Clippard Elementary School.

Tears of students, friends and family were shed just after noon Tuesday as they gathered to appreciate the memorials offered to Lakeshia S. Lawrence and remember that just a few weeks ago she was a vibrant, loving child.

Lakeshia, 9, died March 1 at Children's Hospital in St. Louis after complications developed during a tonsillectomy in Cape Girardeau.

Since her death, fellow third-graders and her Brownie troop raised money to purchase the bench and statue as a memorial to their friend. The brass-style plate embossed with her name arrived last week, and school officials affixed it to the bench, waiting for a sunny day to dedicate them to Lakeshia.

"We wanted a day like this," said Richard Giles, Clippard principal. "We all knew her and wanted to do something to remember her."

Giles said Lakeshia's death was difficult for some of the children to comprehend. He said that he and counselors have worked with the students to help them through their grief.

"And this helps that," Giles said of the dedication. "They felt that this was fitting to do, and it helps to let them see the result of their work to remember her."

Lakeshia's parents, Jose and Rose Parker, attended Tuesday's dedication.

"I'm proud that everyone here wanted to honor her like this," Lakeshia's mother said. "This was really nice and sweet."

A poem written by a fellow elementary student about Lakeshia was presented to her parents during the dedication ceremony.

"We will always remember the good times," Cassie Gross wrote. "When she raced down the street, always looking very sweet. She was loved by all."

Elementary classes at Clippard take turns having sessions in the flower garden on pretty days. Students passing by the angel and bench on the path leading to the outdoor classroom will remember Lakeshia for many years to come.