Willard students plan memorial tree, plaque and ribbons for late teacher 'Buzz'

Students and staff at Willard School in Missoula described plans to plant a memorial tree behind the school to honor a late teacher known as Buzz.

Shay Wolf, a Willard student, said the idea was student-led: "Buzz was a nature person. He loved me out in the woods, around the trees, so we decided a tree would be something in good remembrance of him." The class discussed adding ribbons, birdhouses and a plaque near the tree.

The school’s staff spoke in support. Donna, a staff member, said, "Well, I think it's a wonderful idea. I'm glad that, some of the students came up with the idea and thought through what they kind of wanted to do, and, I think it's beautiful." A classroom speaker added that family members would be involved: "I've actually been in touch with Beth and his 2 sons, and they're coming at the end of the year when we get the tree all finished to help present it to the rest of the school." Andrea Ellig, identified in the discussion, asked students to consider putting ribbons and small bird feeders on the tree.

Speakers clarified how the memorial would be arranged: staff said the plaque would include Buzz's name and some information, and students asked that any surrounding garden be placed around the tree after it is planted rather than in the tree's exact spot.

No formal school-board action, funding decisions or dates for installation were announced during the discussion.