St. Joseph Elementary in Ogden has installed a metal tree in its main hallway to honor members of the school community. The artwork features individual metal leaves inscribed with the names of those who have contributed time, talent, and treasure to the school.
The project was inspired by a previous mural of a donor tree that had been painted on the front wall of the elementary school's main office. According to advancement director Katie Bakker, alumni frequently spoke of the original mural, noting how students could identify family members among the donor names. Following office renovations and the loss of the original paint, school officials sought a permanent way to honor the memory of the tree.
The new metal tree was designed by Bakker and her husband and was crafted by Structural Steel and Plate Fabrication, the same company that created a Celtic cross at St. Olaf Catholic Elementary School in Bountiful. Jean Synowicki, the principal of St. Joseph Elementary, stated the tree serves as a visual way to show appreciation to donors.
Several names are already included on the tree, including former principal Nancy Essary, former advancement director Kari Lane, Michael and Denny Joseph, and Kathy Cornwell. Bakker noted that the school intends to include QR codes next to names to allow people to learn the stories and connections of those honored.
The school is also working on a separate project at St. Joseph Catholic High School to construct a wall in the pavilion area to honor veterans who attended the school. Community members can submit names for consideration for either the donor tree or the veterans wall through the St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School office.
