Ryan's Fund

CHS Courtyard Project

Just over a year ago we planted a weeping cherry tree in a courtyard at Coventry High School to memorialize our son, Ryan, who had been killed in an automobile accident.  The tree seemed lonely and out of place; an island of beauty in a courtyard that was overgrown, in disrepair, and unwelcoming.  It seemed wrong to have a courtyard at CHS that students couldn't enjoy, and wrong to have a memorial for Ryan in such a place.  So we decided to completely renovate the courtyard, even before we knew the extent of the commitment.

Prior to rebuilding the courtyard, we had to dismantle what was there.  This was a daunting mission. Weary from grief and the life changes that come after the loss of a child, progress stalled.  It was at this point our good friend Bob Foley became involved. His enthusiasm inspired us, and his persistence got things moving again, and Bob became a vital part of our team. Soon The Courtyard Project, as it became known as, took on a life of its own.

The spirit of volunteerism in our community is tremendous. Though no tax dollars were spent on The Courtyard Project, the town and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Donna Bernard, were involved in approving project plans and supportive of the project as it progressed. Many individuals and businesses contributed; and their contributions were significant.  Beebe Construction provided us with equipment and a great crew of volunteers. With jackhammers pounding on a very warm fall day, they broke up and removed over 20 tons of concrete. England Hardware donated a sod cutter and stump grinder to remove the final remnants of the old diseased trees, Pelletier Builders dropped off yards of topsoil to amend the existing hardpan, and Jeff Creech of Imagineers provided plant material, mulch, and a crew for an afternoon to help lug in the mulch, define the walkways and planting beds and make the plantings. Parksite Plunkett-Webster donated enough Trex to Ryan's Fund so that we could build the walkway, Home Depot of Manchester provided lumber for the handicap access ramp and picnic tables, Lowes of Manchester donated two beautiful garden benches, and Matt Cordner of Andover Landscaping provided all the mulch we needed to complete the courtyard in time for the opening ceremony.

Throughout the course of this project there was a steady stream of volunteers, including CHS students and a wonderful group of friends and community members, who were ready and able to assist at any time help was needed. Others supported Ryan's Fund and The Courtyard Project by making monetary donations or contributing to fundraisers. Our deep appreciation goes out to each and every person who helped in any way.

On June 8 at the CHS student awards ceremony, we officially turned the renovated courtyard over to the CHS community. Principal Mr. Charles Britton thanked the sponsors of the project and announced, "…from this day forward, the courtyard will be accessible to students before and after school and for special events." The kickoff event was a barbecue lunch in the courtyard that very day, with Mr. Britton as acting chef.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, I was given the opportunity to express our appreciation to students: "Many of you participated in this project and we hope you take pride in what you have accomplished.  Too often when people of my generation speak of people of your generation, they begin with "Teenagers today," and shake their heads.  I'd like to share with you what you have proven about 'teenagers today'. Teenagers today are conscientious and caring. Teenagers today are not afraid to work hard toward a common goal and in less than ideal circumstances.  Teenagers today have great attitudes, and teenagers today understand that it takes effort to be an integral part of a cohesive community. You have our appreciation and our respect."

The day was hot and humid, but excitement filled the air as students filed into the courtyard to place their order with Mr. Britton for a hot dog, hamburger or cheeseburger. "It was great to have the cookout in the courtyard," said freshman Austin Hall. "Other than the time I helped work on fixing it up, I had not been out there.  We weren't allowed to use it.  Now that it is so nice we can have events out there all the time."

We were a mix of emotions that morning - thankful to those who gave of themselves; happy that students will have a beautiful space to enjoy for years to come; honored that Ryan was the impetus for this project and so many felt Ryan's Fund was worthy of support; hopeful that next year and the years beyond, students will continue to embrace the courtyard and help to keep it maintained; and incredibly sad that the courtyard is but a token of our son's once vibrant and promising life.  When The Courtyard Project was finally completed on June 5, 2005, a number of volunteers lingered, not anxious to leave. We all stood and gazed upon it for a while. One student summed up the emotions of the group when she said, "I just feel so proud."

We know Ryan would too.