Master of Ceremonies Caroline Wenger Korn began with some moving words about Mrs. Douglass and her legacy to the community while Mrs. Douglass' family members, former colleagues, former students and their families, and community members looked on.
Tiffany Newberry held a temporary plaque. The final plaque, on a piece of granite donated by Steve Jantz, is in the works. The final plaque will say: This tree and seating area are dedicated to and represent the memory of Mrs. Jackie Douglass who deeply touched the lives of students, families, and colleagues during her teaching career at Catheys Valley Elementary from 1986 to 2011 and beyond. Her empathic and nurturing character made her beloved, while her hard work, passion, and ability to precisely identify the needs of each student made her a role model. Her spirit endures in all of us who knew her.
Former Catheys Valley Elementary Principal Carol Fincham shared a lovely remembrance of Mrs. Douglass, as did her friend and colleague Chris Forsythe, former CVE secretary and friend Patty Bryson, and another former CVE principal, Bill McKay.
Carol Fincham read touching words she wrote about Jackie Douglass.Glenn Franklin, President of the Mariposa County Resource Conservation District and also one of the original members of the school’s Land and Legacy Committee (along with Bruce Fincham, Caroline Korn, Tiffany Newberry, and Don Fox) donated a buckeye tree.
Glenn Franklin donated a buckeye tree he had grown from a seed. He also pointed out the tree CVE students had planted on Arbor Day seven years ago, noting how well the tree is growing.Franklin spoke about why buckeye trees are so special. For instance, they are the first to announce spring with green leaves and buds, they know how to conserve their energy efficiently in the winter and the buckeyes provided sustenance to Native Americans and early settlers. He then invited Mrs. Douglass' family and those in attendance to take shovelfuls of soil out of the whole which he had previously gotten ready.
Mrs. Douglass' husband, John Douglass, took out the first shovelful of dirt from the hole for the tree. 
Her daughter, Shannon Hanson, her grandchildren, other family members, and community members also participated.Franklin then continued with the planting of the tree, explaining what he was doing and why along the way. Mrs. Douglass' would have loved that he made the planting into a teachable moment.
Franklin explained that the wire mesh placed around and beneath the roots keeps ground squirrels and other rodents from eating the roots, allowing the tree a much better chance of survival. The mesh (stronger than chicken wire) will last a good 20 years in the ground, which is as long as the tree will need it.After the ceremony, family, colleagues, and community members stayed to visit with each other and to talk to Franklin about the tree planting.
This was a very special ceremony in honor of Mrs. Douglass. It was heartwarming to have such wonderful attendance.If you were unable to make this event, but would still like to honor Mrs. Douglass, there is still time to do so. Caroline Wenger Korn is collecting photos and remembrances to turn into a memory book to be kept at the Catheys Valley Historical Society. These can be dropped off or mailed to SFCS at 4952 School Houses Road, Catheys Valley, CA 95306.
Also, Mrs. Douglass' family has set up a Jackie Douglass Scholarship Fund at Yosemite bank and welcomes donations. The funds will be used to help students from Catheys Valley.
