TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Memorial Oak Planted For Mort Elementary Student Hit By Car

Tribune photo by CLIFF MCBRIDE

Michael Johnson huddles around a tree with classmates of his daughter, Tatum, who died after being hit by a car.

ADVERTISEMENT

By MICHELE SAGER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

Updated: 05/09/2008 12:18 pm

TAMPA - First-grader Tatum Johnson loved to frolic with friends on the school playground. The 7-year-old enjoyed playing with classmates and came home every day with tales of her school adventures.

Though Tatum can no longer run with her friends though the Mort Elementary fields, her memory has become a permanent part of the school campus.

School officials planted an oak tree Friday in Tatum's honor. The first-grader was killed in February when she was struck by a car on a road near her home in Lutz.

Her mother, father, first-grade classmates and teachers attended the dedication ceremony.

"We planted this tree close to the playground so that it will grow big and strong and provide shade and comfort for our students," said Principal Beny Peretz. "I know Tatum brought comfort to all of us."

The tree was donated by Sunrise Landscape-Landcare, and a member of the community donated money for the plaque bearing Tatum's name placed beneath the tree.

Tatum's mother, Tamara Bixler, said she was touched by the school's efforts.

"This is so special to us," she told Tatum's classmates. "You meant so much to her. My daughter talked about all of you every day, and I know she loved you very much."

Tatum's father, Michael Johnson, said he hopes the tree will send a message.

"We have to keep hoping for a safe place for our kids and that they will stay out of harm's way," he said.

Tatum was struck by a neighbor's car Feb. 8 while she played on a dirt road near her home off East 148th Avenue, Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies said. She died at University Community Hospital.

Johnson wiped away tears as he bent beneath the tree to run his fingers along the plaque. Laughter interrupted the crowd's tears when Tatum's 16-month-old cousin Bree Anna Goldstein ran to the tree and stroked its trunk.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT