ERIE, MI — Perched in front of Mason Central Elementary School you’ll find Mikenna Green’s memorial bench. It’s nestled on a bed of black mulch and flanked by potted flowers and painted rocks by students serve as a border. It’s gentle reminder of how much the third grader was loved.
Located in front of the school next to the flag pole, it’s a place for reflection and remembrance while honoring Mikenna’s memory. Engraved on the bench is “In Loving Memory of Mikenna Green 2025.”
On Feb. 3, the 8-year-old died unexpectedly from a bowel blockage. According to her mom, Carissa DeBruyne, Mikenna had dealt with bowel issues since she was 2.
“We found out early on the school was planning a memorial bench,” Carissa DeBruyne said. “This was the first time the school had lost a student and they wanted to do something special and they had her sister, Charlotte, heavily involved in it.”
Debra McCain, the school’s principal, worked with social worker Kelly Hennessey on the memorial bench project. Funding for the bench came from donations from staff members at Mason Consolidated Schools.
On May 2, Mikenna’s birthday, students, staff, family and friends gathered to remember the little girl known for being “compassionate, caring and wise beyond her years.”
The majority of those in attendance proudly wore “Mikenna Mason T-shirts” with Mikenna’s name printed on a sleeve.
The special gathering including singing two songs, “Give With Your Heart” and “Miles of Smiles” along with a ribbon dance by then 5th-graders, Charlotte Green, Mikenna’s sister and Harper McManaway. With Mikenna’s parents’ permission, they also sang “Happy Birthday.”
“Out of all my 35 years, I’ve never lost a student. That was a struggle for me,” McCain said. “Yes, Mikenna is gone but she is still here. The dedication was beautiful and it brought happy tears. I feel having time to sit on the bench or visit the bench and look at the rocks gives the feeling she is still with us and that is what we were hoping for.”
McCain said she hoped Mikenna’s family would see how much their little girl meant to those who knew her.
When asked how she felt about the special tribute for her daughter, DeBruyne said seeing the bench makes her happy.
“Ever since she was little Mikenna wanted to go to school,” she said. “Seeing the bench and the painted rocks puts a smile on my face. It’s her. It’s as if she’s there.”
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Mason Central Elementary honors Mikenna Green with memorial bench
Reporting by Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
