The tree planted in honor of Aliahna Lemmon by her teacher and classmates on Monday at Holland Elementary School is a Dwarf Korean Lilac tree. Although it doesn't have any flowers yet, it will this spring, fragrant ones that Shannon Harris, Aliahna's teacher, can pick for her classroom.
As its name suggests, the tree won't get very big, just like Aliahna, Harris said.
Aliahna was in the third grade at Holland when she was killed in December 2011.
On Monday, the school held a dedication for the memorial garden created in Aliahna's honor. Principal Michael Caywood hopes that it will bring everyone at the school some closure.
The garden has a stone engraved with Aliahna's name and two reading benches, surrounded by greenery and flowers near the entrance to the school.
Behind the school is where the tree was planted, where it can be seen out the window of the classroom where Aliahna spent the first part of her third-grade year at Holland.
The 9-year-old girl was reported missing around Christmas in 2011. Michael Plumadore, a neighbor who was caring for Aliahna and two of her sisters, later confessed to killing the girl. Last month, Plumadore agreed to a plea deal and will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
