Community Honors Memory of 9-Year-Old Isaac Michelson with Memorial Garden.
The Avon community was deeply shaken by the tragic loss of 9-year-old Isaac Michelson in September 2022. In response, the Avon Eagles Garden Club decided to create a lasting tribute in his honor. On August 9, 2023, their efforts culminated in the dedication of a memorial garden at Avon Heritage Elementary School.
Neely Powell, representing the Avon Eagles Garden Club, explained that the garden was designed as a space where the community could remember Isaac. Situated near the school’s walking path and bird sanctuary, the garden also features a memorial reading bench, providing a peaceful spot for reflection.
“Isaac passed away in 2022,” Powell said. “Jen Wasil, who was a room parent for his classroom, initiated this memorial at Heritage, where Isaac was a student. A bench and tree were already there, but she wanted to expand the space into a more meaningful memorial for parents to visit in Isaac’s honor.”
The dedication event on August 9 was attended by Isaac’s former classmates and many Avon community members. The captains of the Avon High School football team also participated, helping to plant the garden before the start of their season.
“We were looking for community members to assist with the planting,” Powell noted. “The football team captains volunteered, which was really special. The space will be a meaningful memorial for both parents and students who knew Isaac.”
The event was further highlighted by the involvement of the Avon/Avon Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7035, which contributed significantly to the project. Knowing that Isaac’s great-grandfather, Lt. Col. Edward Werner, had served in the Army for over 20 years, the VFW donated $1,200 for plants, materials, and a dedication sign.
“Isaac’s great-grandfather was a veteran,” Powell said. “The VFW’s support was instrumental in bringing this project to life.”
In addition to the garden, the Michelson family established the Isaac Michelson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is intended to support families of children with complex special needs, easing their financial burdens and helping them provide necessary resources for their children.
“The scholarship will be a monetary gift for specially selected students and their families,” Isaac’s mother, Kate Michelson, wrote on the scholarship’s GoFundMe page. “We hope it will help them provide their student with the resources needed to live a beautifully full life.”
The outpouring of support from the Avon community has been deeply appreciated by the school. Powell expressed hope that the memorial garden, scholarship, and the entire project would help the Avon Heritage Elementary community grieve and heal from Isaac’s loss.
“The outdoor space is a popular spot for our students,” Powell said. “It’s also a memorial for the teachers, who were closely connected to Isaac’s family. This space serves as a constant reminder of how precious our children are.”