Brader Gardens
For more than two decades, Brader Elementary School has proudly nurtured a vibrant garden that serves as a living classroom and a place of reflection. On June 4, 2003, the school dedicated a special Memorial Garden in honor of Henry M. Brader, whose passion for education and nature left a lasting impact on the community. The dedication ceremony was a heartfelt event, attended by Mr. Brader’s family and students from first through fourth grades. The celebration featured poetry, letters, and songs created by the students, a guided tour of the garden, and a meaningful tree planting ceremony.
Continuing this tradition, the Memorial Garden was rededicated on April 22, 2008, reaffirming Mr. Brader’s inspiring legacy to encourage students to always aim high in their educational pursuits. Nestled in the upper right-hand corner of the Butterfly Garden, the Memorial Garden includes a bench and a selection of plants that were favorites of Mr. Brader, creating a space for learning and remembrance.
In 2009, Brader Elementary partnered with Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids to enhance the garden’s mission, promoting healthy eating habits alongside environmental stewardship. This collaboration has further enriched the garden’s role in fostering growth, wellness, and inspiration for generations of students to come.
Wagner Family Donates Apple Tree in Honor of Mrs. Brader
The Wagner family donated an apple tree to Brader Elementary in honor of Mrs. Henry M. Brader, whose recent passing deeply touched the community. Morgan, a Brader student, took the initiative to speak with Mrs. Sharon Brubaker, the school’s Librarian and Head Garden Coordinator, to propose the donation. Together, they selected the butterfly garden as the perfect spot to plant the new tree, right next to the peach tree dedicated to Mr. Brader. This living tribute symbolizes the seeds of learning that grow and flourish within the school’s halls, much like the tree will grow stronger and adapt through the seasons. The Wagner's hope this apple tree will stand as a lasting memorial to Mrs. Brader’s invaluable contributions and serve as an inspiring reminder for current and future students. It’s their wish that both students and staff find joy in watching this tree thrive for generations to come.
Brader Elementary Celebrates New Wheelchair-Accessible Garden
In 2013, Brader Elementary School celebrated the dedication of their new Wheelchair-Accessible Garden, marking an exciting milestone for the entire school community. Staff, parents, students, and representatives from Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids came together to enjoy the festivities and honor this inclusive addition. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of passionate volunteers who built the raised garden bed, as well as generous funding from the Whole Kids Foundation, the garden is now fully accessible to all students. This means that 100% of Brader Elementary students, regardless of mobility, can actively participate in the school’s beloved vegetable gardening program, fostering learning and growth for everyone.