POTSDAM - A memorial area at Potsdam Central School in honor of Garrett J. Phillips, who died a year ago, will provide a quiet place for reflection, according to Superintendent Patrick H. Brady.

Garret was a 12-year-old student at AA Kingston Middle School when he was found murdered in his home last fall. The district’s board of education approved this week a request to place a memorial on campus in his memory.

“We had received a request from the Phillips family to place a small memorial on campus in Garrett’s memory. The board of education does have a policy for recognition. That process was followed,” Mr. Brady said.

The district’s Buildings and Grounds Committee approved the request before forwarding it on to an ad hoc committee that included school board members Ralph L. Fuller, Wade A. Davis, James Hubbard and Christopher C. Cowen. They reviewed the proposal and recommended its approval to the full board.

According to the proposal submitted to the board at its Aug. 28 board meeting, the park will include two benches, a sugar maple, stepping stones, two shrubs and a large rock with a 10x13 plaque. The proposal also leaves space for additional memorials to be added as needed. The memorial plaque will be located near a concession stand on the school’s athletic field, he said.

“The plan is to have a couple of trees planted with two benches and a sandstone place between the benches with a small plaque. It’s very nice. It will be a place for quiet reflection for Garrett and others who’ve been taken from us before they should have,” Mr. Brady said.

On the anniversary of his death Wednesday, the superintendent said there was still a sense of loss in the district.

“It is on the minds of many people not only because we lost Garrett, but also because of the lack of closure. There’s no question it’s a concern on the minds of people,” he said.

“Here at school we’re providing an opportunity for students to share with each other, but also our message is one of connecting this to Making a Difference Day - hope for the future and use this time to reflect on what you can do for someone else. That’s the important message,” he said.

It was a difficult day not only for the students, but also for faculty members, Mr. Brady said.

“It’s a difficult time, especially for those that were particularly close to Garrett. He had many friends here and was well liked by all of the faculty who knew him. It’s tough on our faculty as it is on our students,” he said.

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