Maggie’s Garden of Light began as more than just a project, it evolved from a heartfelt story shared with us, one that gently resonated within our team. Our middle school staff member, Mrs. Davidson shared with us the story of her granddaughter, Maggie, and in that moment, our creation became something deeply meaningful.
We collaborated with our high school agriculture teacher, Mr. Adam Clairday, who provided guidance on methods and materials, as we transformed an idea into a tangible form. Mrs. Davidson described how Maggie’s room might have appeared, peaceful, gentle, and full of life. Inspired by this vision, our design included delicate butterflies and attentive owls, each carefully created using a Glowforge laser cutter. Every detail was a small tribute to her memory.
As our design developed, we wanted to ensure it was more than just a daytime display. We incorporated a solar-powered light above acrylic, allowing the piece to softly illuminate at night, which serves as a quiet reminder that light persists even in darkness. This made the piece durable and graceful for an outdoor environment.
The name, Maggie’s Garden of Light, came naturally. It felt appropriate, especially knowing that the piece would be placed in Mrs. Davidson’s garden, surrounded by growing plants and open sky. What started as a simple project grew into something meaningful, something that connected us, our staff member, and Maggie’s story.
Ultimately, we are grateful, not only for what we created, but for the trust placed in us to honor her memory in this way.