Sculpture garden honoring former Johnson School principal takes next step
More than $500 in shrubs and flowers were be planted Friday, June 27, at Maud E. Johnson Elementary School as part of a sculpture garden in memory of longtime principal John Condie.
Rockford nursery J. Carlson Growers is donating seven shrubs, 47 perennial flowers, compost and mulch. The greenery will enhance the sculpture, “A Girl and Her Dog,” which was installed in late May and dedicated June 3.
Donations are still being accepted for the concrete pavers and flagstone steppers called for in a professional design provided free of charge by Tyler Landscaping of Rockford. Contributions may be sent to Rockford Public Schools/Condie Memorial in care of Mark Bonne at 201 South Madison Street. Rockford, IL 61104.
School officials expect to complete the third and final phase of the project. which includes installing lighting and a plaque, before the school celebrates its 50th anniversary in the fall. Mr. Condie, who died in 2006, served as the first principal from 1958 to 1981.
Rockford Public Schools commissioned local artist R. Scott Long to create the sculpture based on a drawing by 3rd-grade student Samantha Vincent. The garden, being funded largely through private contributions, also includes a concrete bench at the foot of an existing maple tree on the school's front lawn on Rural Street.
Superintendent Linda Hernandez and State Senator Dave Syverson led the June 3 unveiling ceremony, which featured the school's 360 students singing three musical tributes to Mr. Condie. Mary Ann Smith, who led the campaign to restore the historic Coronado Performing Arts Center, also spoke. Smith and Syverson are both Johnson alumni and among the garden's leading contributors.
Mr. Condie was a World War II veteran, former teacher and two-time finalist for the Rockford Register Star's prestigious Excalibur Award for community service. He volunteered for organizations including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Rockford Literacy Council.
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