Members of the Dawson County High School Interact Club gathered together in front of the high school last week, sleeves rolled up and shovels in hands, to plant a tree to memorialize their friend, Grace Sheer.

Sheer, who was a senior at DCHS, lost her life in a car accident Feb. 12 as she was driving to school.

 She was the homecoming queen and was a member of the Chamber Singers, Spanish Honor Society and varsity girls’ soccer team. She was also an integral part of the school’s drama program and Interact Club.

“Grace was called to service beyond self and we know this because of her involvement in Interact here at Dawson County High School,” said Interact Club co-sponsor and Rotarian Mark Summerour.

Her friends and teachers gathered together May 8 to plant a tree in her honor that will blossom in front of the high school for years to come. The club chose a Kwanzan cherry tree from Kinsey Family Farms because of its brilliant deep pink and orange blooms that Sheer’s friends believed would encapsulate her spirit and personality.

“The tree is a living thing, enduring and a reminder that the fond memories and Grace’s beautiful spirit will endure in the hearts of her friends and family,” said Summerour.

Those who knew Sheer best applauded as the last brick surrounding the tree bed was laid. A small engraved marker was placed at the base of tree and reads “In loving memory of Grace Sheer.”

Rotarian and Mountain Lake Church pastor Brian Haas shared a few words to Sheer’s friends as they celebrated and reflected on the memory of their friend.

“Just as I got a chance to know you all and got to know Grace through your all’s stories I think this is perfect. This is not just a way to remember her, right. A plaque could do that,” said Haas. “There’s a reason we planted a tree instead of just having a plaque because just as Mark said this shows life and her life continues to live out in you and through you.”

Everyone held hands in a circle around the freshly planted memorial as Haas led the group of friends in prayer.

“We continue to be proud of who Grace continues to be and what a great –not just a great reminder  of her memory but a reminder of who she was and who she would want us to be and who she would want you to be as her friends and those that knew her closely,” said Haas. “What a great moment and what a great way to continue to allow her memory to live on.”