A multi-year Haddonfield Memorial High School (HMHS) campus beautification project culminated in the dedication of the Sarah Tarditi Gallagher Garden at Sylvan Lake Avenue on May 24, 2022.
The beautification project was the brainchild of Maureen Eyles, former Haddonfield Board of Education member and current HMHS parent. In 2017, Eyles appreciated the extensive renovations that had taken place across the school district under a recent bond issue. She recognized that the exterior spaces, especially at the high school, needed revitalization. She organized and recruited members for the committee and asked Dr. Joseph Serico, former district administrator, to serve as President.
In addition to the garden, the beautification project addressed three other areas: the stadium courtyard, the A-wing courtyard, and the entry gardens on Kings Highway.
“Funding came largely from the Haddonfield Educational Trust, HMHS alumni, the Haddonfield Board of Education, and the Haddonfield community,” said Serico.
The garden is named for Sarah Tarditi Gallagher, a 1994 alumna of HMHS who died of leukemia in 2007.
A brief dedication ceremony took place in the garden. Eyles served as the host for the dedication event. Speakers included: Haddonfield Board of Education President Jamie Grookett, Superintendent Chuck Klaus, and HMHS Principal Tammy McHale. All three expressed their sincere appreciation for the outstanding partnership that allowed the completion of the garden.
Sarah’s parents, Jack and Barbara Tarditi, joined their sons Matthew, Daniel and their oldest grandson to express appreciation for the honor bestowed on Sarah and for the experiences that their children and grandchildren have received through the years in the Haddonfield schools. Jack also spoke to the special nature of the town and their deep affection for their neighbors and friends who have meant so much to them over the past 50 years.
The HMHS a capella singing group, “COED,” sang “Seasons of Love,” and Aimee Archilla, a lifelong friend and classmate of Sarah Tarditi Gallagher, offered remarks about her dear friend and classmate.
