At Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary (RGB) School on Wednesday, a little boy named Ja’Kiryn walked up hand-in-hand with his little cousin.
Her pink backpack was covered in butterflies.
"Look, that's for my teacher, Mr. Dodd," Ja’Kiryn said.
The two were standing over a newly mulched garden with a motorcycle flag and a marker that read, "Rooted in Love, Always in Our Hearts."
She attentively looked up at him while he reminisced about his former teacher.
The memorial garden is in honor of Troy Kenneth "TK" Dodd, who passed away in May.
Mr. Dodd began his career in Manatee County Title I schools in 2006, and lovingly served students at (former) Orange Ridge Elementary, Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary, and most recently, Ballard Elementary.
A memorial garden was dedicated on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Under the courtyard awning, fifth grade classes gathered with many of his former colleagues.
Among the quiet children sat several students who spent two years in the classroom with Mr. Dodd.
While at RGB, he "looped" or followed his second-grade class to become their third-grade teacher.
Two of them served as flower girls at his wedding.
In March 2023, Mr. Dodd married Lori, a second-grade teacher at Sea Breeze Elementary.
Both girls took to the podium to talk about Mr. Dodd.
"I am so happy that I had you as my teacher for two years," said Katherine. "One thing you taught me was I can have fun every day."
"I miss you," Aaliyah said. "My favorite memory was when we would have Kona Ice, and we would sit and talk outside."
Cassie D'Addeo is a certified school counselor, who leads a grief and loss group for students.
With parental permission, she worked with them to write letters or create hand-drawn cards for Mr. Dodd's family.
The school principal spoke about his dedication.
"Mr. Dodd was more than an educator, he was a beacon of wisdom, compassion and unwavering commitment," said Michael Escorcia. "His passion for teaching went beyond the curriculum; he inspired students to dream big, strive for excellence and always approach life with kindness and integrity."
A former colleague of Mr. Dodd read a poem, in part:
You have gone over and beyond,
And taught me quite a lot.
You even had faith in me,
When you knew that I did not.
You changed my world,
And you've changed my view.
For that I'd like to say, Thank You.
Then, a final goodbye – as more of Mr. Dodd’s former students released butterflies, including Ja’Kiryn.
He later lingered near the flowers and hand-painted rocks to tell Mr. Dodd’s family how much he loved the full-size candy bars he would receive for doing good at math.
“Guess who bought you those candy bars,” Mrs. Dodd said with a smile. “That was me. He used to send me to the store to buy those candy bars.”
The new garden at RGB serves as a place where staff and students can reflect on the peace and calm he brought into their lives.
TK Dodd's memory remains in the hearts of those who worked alongside him, and the countless students he inspired as a beloved educator.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Ballard Elementary School, in the auditorium.
