The memories of Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, who were lost in the devastating Texas Hill Country floods last July, are at the heart of a new garden blooming at Bradfield Elementary.
Lila, who was 9, and Eloise, who was 8, were among the 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors who were lost in the floods.
Nearly a year later, the Bradfield Elementary community celebrated the dedication of Lila and Eloise’s Learning Garden, formerly the Bronco Learning Garden, on May 12.
“This garden stands as a lasting tribute, a place of learning, remembrance, and love,” Bradfield Elementary Principal Aimee Hilton said. “Our hope is that this garden will reflect the memories that they created, the friendships that they shared, and the joy that they brought to our campus every single day.”
The girls’ second-grade teacher, Leigh Anne Ulrich, recalled their smiles as they entered the classroom each morning.
“They would always have a hug for me, and just an eagerness to learn,” Ulrich said. “Lila and Eloise will always be in our hearts.”
Lila and Eloise’s first-grade teacher, Yvonne Lewis, remembered the girls as a “ray of sunshine.”
Kim Sweaney was Lila and Eloise’s kindergarten teacher, and in her first year of teaching at Bradfield at the time. She said she learned that year alongside the girls.
“Everything was new for us, and we all grew together that year,” Sweaney said. “Lila and Eloise grew into such kind, confident leaders at Bradfield. They were always so sweet to their friends. That’s why this garden feels so special. I had the privilege of watching them grow, and now every time we see something grow in here, I know we’ll think of them.”
Bonner’s sisters, Scarlett and Wynn, and Peck’s brother, Holden, were then invited to lead a butterfly and ladybug release.
Hilton said the garden itself will continue to grow, with a redesign slated to take place over the summer.
Landscape architect and former Bradfield mom Melissa Gerstle will design the garden, with some help from Dallas sculptor Larry Whiteley.
“We were trying to (create) something that was lasting and something that would be here for future generations,” Hilton explained, “because (Lila and Eloise) are such a big part of our school.”
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