Maplewood Memory Park

Spring has arrived at Maplewood Academy. The grass is green again, flowers have popped through the ground and students linger outdoors to soak up warm sunshine. They are found by the pond listening to the gentle ripples of water cascading over the rocks. Some bring their books for study in a peaceful setting. Others sit quietly to clear the mind of mental overload. It’s final exams for this is the time of year when graduation is the “hot” topic and parents will soon arrive for the biggest celebration of the year.

Students can enjoy the pond the most, as it should be. It is part of their campus and should become a useful addition to student life. “It’s so beautiful,” said Ariane Cyusa, and “I love the MWA flowers,” said Alex Dockham, both students at Maplewood. (Alex is referring to the marigolds planted in the shape of letters M W A) Seniors agree that the pond makes a beautiful setting for family pictures on graduation weekend.

“I just go there and listen. It’s peaceful when I’m feeling stressed or have a lot on my mind,” said Hiboombe Haamankuli, a junior at MWA. “It’s a good place to pray and meditate!” confided Leah Nyirashishi, a sophomore, and “It’s relaxing.  I feel closer to God when I’m there,” added Josh Saunders, a first-year student.

If the pond is providing a quiet place for prayer and a place to feel closer to God, then it is worth any sacrifice we will make to enlarge the Memory Park with benches and a place for outdoor class meetings and events.

The pond, a reminder of the memorable fish pond that disappeared from campus years ago, is the first phase of Maplewood’s Memory Park. It is surrounded by flowers, trees and shrubs tucked in among large rocks. If you’ve not yet visited the addition to the front lawn, plan to return to Maplewood this summer to see the growing number of pavers that have been placed in the walkway, some in memory of alumni, others to indicate families of graduates and some to show appreciation for time spent at MWA.

Last Alumni Weekend, a dessert buffet was served by the pond following Sabbath lunch. It was a beautiful day for the first event planned in the Memory Park.

Alumnus Judy Glass commented, “I thought the desserts by the pond Alumni Weekend provided a wonderful opportunity to see the revitalization of the pond and encourage people to participate while giving the alumni another chance to linger and talk - which is what Alumni Weekend's all about!”

There were many positive reactions to the occasion. However, some alumni observed that benches were needed. Since then, two benches have been sponsored and will be added this summer. More are needed, so is this your time to respond? Your gift sent to Maplewood Memory Park, c/o Diane Sorensen, PO Box 443, Hutchinson, MN, 55350, will receive a tax deductible receipt from Maplewood Academy.

With the blessing of good weather, a similar event is being planned for this October. We invite you to be at Alumni Weekend, visit the Memory Park and notice the recently added pavers and other changes since last fall.

The Park is a gift for all to enjoy. It is a gift made possible by every student and former student, parent and friend of Maplewood Academy.

Submitted by Bernadine Delafield

Maplewood Memory Park

How will my gift help?

Large sturdy bench         $1,500

Engraved paver               $1,000

General gift for expansion (plants, trees, sculptures, pavers, performing arts center and more)

Interested in making a gift to Maplewoods Alumni Memory Park?

Please Call Diane Johnson Sorenson at 320.583.8802