Skip to content

Father Henri Voisin School student remembered

Julie Burke Memorial Bench unveiled
22788337_web1_200923-RDA-red-deer-catholic-student-remembered-memorial_1
The Julie Burke Memorial Bench was unveiled to the Father Henri Voisin School community on Wednesday. (Photo contributed)

A former Father Henri Voisin School student was remembered Wednesday with an outdoor blessing and dedication ceremony.

The Julie Burke Memorial Bench was unveiled to the school community, with the student’s family, senior administration and Grade 5 student leaders in attendance.

The memorial bench, which faces the playground, will be a friendship bench for students.

Jessica Maloughney, Julie’s former Grade 4 teacher, fondly remembered the pupil as a girl who was full of kindness and bravery, despite her illness, and said the bench will be “a symbol of Julie’s love and bravery.”

“Even though Julianna is no longer here with us, she lives on in all of our hearts,” Maloughney said. “When a student is brave enough to sit on the bench, waiting for a friend, Julie will be there with them.

“When one of you sees someone sitting on this bench, and invites them to play, Julie will be with you, too.”

Principal Jeff Tuchscherer said the school feels blessed to have been provided with the bench by the Burke family.

“It will honour Julie’s memory and provide a powerful reminder of the value of friendship, as well as the importance of bravery. Present and future students will vastly benefit from this legacy of a child who lived her life with steadfast love in her heart for all,” Tuchscherer said.



News tips

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter