Deacon Sellers was a happy, sweet boy with an infectious laugh and a big heart. He loved his friends and he loved being part of the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) at Cartmell Elementary.
But last year, tragedy stole him away far too soon. A devastating house fire took his life and the lives of three other family members. The tragic event left a hole in the hearts of his family, his friends, and an entire community. Yet, even in his absence, Deacon’s presence is still deeply felt. His kindness, his enthusiasm, and his dreams live on in the people who loved him.
Deacon’s application project for STLP this year was a community garden, but he was not able to see it fulfilled. Deacon was on track to be the lead for this project after being a core member of the Cartmell STLP for the past two years.
His STLP friends are not letting his dream of a community garden slip away. They have opted to follow through on Deacon’s dream project of planting a community garden to help provide healthy and free food to anyone in need.
“I wanted to do something to honor my friend,” said fourth grader Coralyn McCarthy.
And so, together, the STLP team is honoring Deacon in the best and most meaningful way they can.
“It makes me happy we can help our friend,” said Theo States, a third grader. “It’s more than just a garden.”
Theo is right. The garden is a promise and a way to keep Deacon’s kindness growing, even though he isn’t here to see it bloom.
With the blessing of Deacon’s father, Heath, and the guidance of Master Gardener Elizabeth Mefford and Camp KYSOC Nature Center Director Gail Becraft, Deacon’s STLP teammates have poured their hearts into making the community garden a reality. They have already successfully grown vegetables in an indoor tower and recently planted seeds and bulbs in a raised bed that can be moved inside and outside.
Fourth grader Brystal Debaun said it makes her happy to be part of the garden project. “I like how we made it in honor of Deacon because a lot of people knew him,” she added.
“We decided to do this for Deacon’s sake and for the community because we love him,” said fourth grader Alexis Boley.
The group has received assistance and donations from the Carroll County Conservation District and applied for a grant from the Kentucky Farm to School Network to expand the project even further and share Deacon’s vision with everyone. His STLP team has meticulously planned how to care for the garden, ensuring it thrives even when school is not in session.
STLP Coach Diane McCarthy worked closely with Deacon for the past two years in the club. “I know he’s smiling and I know he’s proud of us,” she said. “It’s good for us to have a hand in doing something Deacon wanted.”
The plants will grow. The flowers will bloom. The vegetables will nourish those in need. And Deacon’s kindness will live on—forever rooted in the hearts of those who love him.