Yesterday, on what would have been Ridgefield High School student Nia Simpson’s 17th birthday, the RHS community dedicated the school’s new Butterfly Courtyard to Nia.
Nia was a beloved student leader, athlete, and member of the Class of 2024, who passed away last October after a short illness.
“The strength, courage, and beautiful words from Nia’s parents and friends are a testament to Nia—we can honor Nia by living a life of purpose,” said Ridgefield Public School Superintendent Susie Da Silva.
Ridgefield Public Schools said that RHS dad and Vice President for Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, Todd Forrest, led the garden team, stripping sod, amending soil, and planting trees and perennials—offering a crash course in garden design, plant identification, and grit. He credited his friends, the Garden of Ideas owners Joe Keller and Ilsa Svendsen, for helping acquire and deliver the native plants at cost.
Read more about the blooming of this beautiful garden here