Palmer Elementary dedicates trees in memory of 2 beloved staff members
Donna Cole worked as an instrumental music teacher in the District for more than 32 years. Donna passed away from cancer in February 2021. Beth Putnam worked at Palmer for 20 years. She ran “Project Aware,” a program that provided students with social-emotional support. Beth passed away in January 2021.
An ornamental pear tree was planted in front of the school in memory of Donna and a red maple tree was planted near the playground in memory of Beth.
Principal Alex Ewing said the trees serve as a thank you to the two women for all of the work they did for the Palmer community. Plaques will be added to the trees at a later date.
“We wanted to get the trees planted and get everyone together to acknowledge two people who have a had a tremendous impact on Palmer,” Ewing said.
Donna was passionate about music and her students at Palmer and Elden. Her dedication to students and love of music motivated her to continue working even during her treatments and her mood was forever upbeat.
Putnam retired in 2012. Her daughter, Nicole Vaughan is a first grade teacher at Palmer.
“My mom loved her job,” Vaughan said. “This means so much to my family and to us that you’re doing this in her memory.”
Vaughan said her mother would be so happy to know that children will sit under her tree to seek shade on a warm, sunny day.
“These trees are a lasting memory of Donna and Beth and all of the work they did,” Ewing said.
