THOMASVILLE- Friends, family, and fellow educators gathered at the Scottie Yard, located at Scott Elementary School, on Monday afternoon to dedicate three benches in remembrance of Maggie Boozer, who passed away from cancer in 2018.

Boozer taught at Scott Elementary School for 20 years and was a lifelong supporter of education and believed there was always something new to learn.

The idea to dedicate benches stemmed from former colleagues, following Boozer’s passing.

Carie Young, Assistant Principal of Scott Elementary School, spoke on the impact Boozer had in her life, and how she could now find solstice on campus, knowing Boozer was still with her.

“Maggie gave over 20 years of her heart and soul to Scott, and her influence still lingers here today,” Young said fighting back tears. “Maggie had a gift to see the potential in everyone, even when we didn’t see it in ourselves.”

Young said Boozer always believed in her during their time working together, and it was Boozer’s encouragement and faith that gave her the strength to grow into the leader she has since become.

“I have been here at Scott for 26 years, just like she knew I would be,” Young said. “In honor of Maggie, a cherished member of our team, who touched so many lives with the kindest generosity and unwavering dedication to our children, staff, and parents… we have dedicated these three benches and a buddy bench up front.”

According to Young, the three butterfly benches in the Scottie Yard will represent more than just a place to rest. The benches will be a symbol of Boozer’s legacy and a place where teachers can gather to share stories of her impact, as Boozer loved a good gathering.

“She was always a positive spirit in the hallway, asking what would we do next,” Young explained.

Teachers agreed Boozer would have loved the idea of the benches, as she enjoyed the outdoors.

The idea for the benches came about during a Hands on Thomas County Clean up Day, when suggestions for ways to improve the Scottie Yard were tossed around.

At the time, retired educators and friends of Boozer had started a GoFundMe to honor the Scott Elementary community she loved so much. Hence came the idea, to install a tangible, lasting tribute to Boozer’s impact at the school.

“Maggie was a master at building relationships and helping people realize their full potential,” Young said. “These benches will continue to be a gathering place for the Scott family- a place where we can reflect on our triumphs, navigate the challenges of our days, enjoy time with one another, and continue to move forward Maggie’s unwavering positivity and love.”

One of the teachers Boozer built a lifelong relationship with was Donita Hinckley, Boozer’s student teacher in the 90’s.

“I was getting my teaching degree and had done some practicums here at Scott, when Maggie asked me to student teach with her,” Hinckley recalled. “On my first day of student teaching, Maggie had gotten some new computers.”

At the time, Boozer had no idea how to operate the new technology and insisted Hinckley help her learn.

“From the beginning, she was teaching me and it was a reciprocal thing,” Hinckley said. “She took pleasure in learning and she wanted to learn as much as she could.”

Following Hinckley’s student teaching, Boozer gifted her an embroidered pillow with each student’s name signed on the back.

Hinckley brought the gift to the dedication, still holding on to the gifts and memories Boozer imparted.

“She was so proud of being able to grow teachers and leaders,” Hinckley said. “She took that on as one of her missions- helping people reach their potential.”

Hinckley then read a passage from a retired teacher, who was unable to attend.

“Maggie was the friend with whom you could unlock the pages of your story,” it read. “The ones you try to hide even from yourself, and you could know that these moments were held confidentially and without judgment. That’s why she was “that person” for so many of us. I learned a whole new level of friendship from Maggie and I strive to be that friend, even if I cannot pull it off with the flair Maggie possessed.”

Hinckley said she hopes this garden will not only honor Boozer’s legacy but also the many teachers who have impacted Scott Elementary School.

Principal Dr. Selena Dawson closed the ceremony, thanking those who attended.

Dawson explained she did not have the privilege of meeting Boozer, but through the numerous stories, she could tell how many lives Boozer touched through her years of education.