A junior at Shore, Bryan O’Donnell, has planted a butterfly garden by the lake in honor of late Shore student, Alex Muñoz.  The garden project is part of his Eagle Scout badge. This creation serves as a symbol of Alex’s memory for many members of the Shore community. Upon first building the garden, it was intended to take the shape of an ‘A’, to further signify its meaning. The garden is enclosed by wooden blocks and is home to over 20 plants, providing onlookers with a colorful palette of pinks, yellows, greens, and purples. To add emotion to the piece, there is a centered, gold plaque inscribed with kind words often used to remember Alex, like the “Champ.”

When we asked Bryan where he came up with the idea for the garden and its dedication, he told us, “I came up with the idea to create this garden because I was going to do a clothing drive with the Muñoz family during Christmas time, but I wanted to make a project that would be memorable. One of my friends just finished his Eagle project, which was a garden at the Elks Lodge, so I thought how about if I make a Butterfly garden at Shore? I chose a butterfly garden for the reason that I knew there was one at the West Long Branch Police Department, and I knew the guy who built it. I decided to dedicate it to Alex because I was originally going to help the Muñoz family with a clothing drive but I realized at Shore there was nothing that was dedicated in Alex’s name. So I knew this would bring the remembrance of Alex to Shore Regional.”

To better understand how meaningful the garden is to the Munoz family, we interviewed Mrs.Munoz, Alex’s mother, and she said, “The dedication of the memorial butterfly garden is a testament to the caring individuals and community we live in as well as the impact Alex’s life and illness had on those around him. Our family feels the genuine compassion that this garden symbolizes and it will forever leave an imprint on our hearts.”

Bryan told us about his emotional connection to the garden by saying, “What the garden and its dedication means to me personally is that anyone isn’t safe from cancer. I did not know Alex personally but I did experience the feeling of Shore Regional and the communities forming as one big family. The influence Alex had on me even though I did not met him is an example of how strong he was and how great of a person he was.”

Mrs. Munoz continued to tell us that if she got the chance to speak to Bryan personally, she would say “I would tell Bryan that my family and I are so grateful to him, not only for the extensive effort that he put into planning, seeking approvals, and execution of this project, but also for coming up with such a meaningful concept which will beautify the high school and honor Alex’s memory.” When asked about the support her family feels from the Shore community, Mrs.Munoz explained “The fact that Bryan did not know Alex personally, but was moved by his journey, is incredibly meaningful to our family. The knowledge that our Champ’s brief life has affected so many other lives is a profound gift that gives us some solace. The support that we have received from our community has impacted us and has been truly healing for our broken hearts. We will never have the adequate words to express our deep gratitude.”

If you’re still wondering how all of this was made possible, Bryan explained, “What type of planning and approval went into the garden was first I had to ask the Monmouth Council Boy Scouts for approval.  I had to get many signatures approving this project. Then I had to ask Shore’s superintend, Mr. Farrell, permission. Then I had to go to the Board of Education and get their approvals. Then I had to get the Muñoz family’s permission. Then I had to get the towns’ permission to make sure I can build the garden. Finally I had to get the class of 2016 to dedicate it and pay for it, which they were very willing to pay and dedicate for the project.” Through all of his hard work, Bryan’s beautiful garden pays a wonderful tribute to Alex and his memory.

There will be a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 25th at 5:30 pm at the garden.  Members of the community are invited to attend.

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