RBR Students Remembered with Tree-Planting Ceremony at High School

Two trees planted today at Red Bank Regional High School will forever be reminders of the lives of Riyadh’na Farrow and Albert Martin.

Farrow and Martin both died of natural causes earlier this school year.

The school has held various events throughout the year, including fundraisers and candlelight vigils, to honor their memories, but the two trees planted today will remain at the school forever.

"These trees will forever be at our school just as our classmates will forever be in our hearts," RBR Class Vice President Tim Vilardi said during the ceremony.

Senior Class Co-Advisor Chris Desiere said the senior class presents a gift to the school just prior to their graduation every year. This year, they decided to honor Farrow and Martin by purchasing and planting the trees.

A dawn red wood was planted in memory of Martin.

"We chose a red wood for Albert because it will grow big and strong," Desiere said.

A Southern Magnolia was planted for Farrow.

"We chose it because it is more delicate and has eloquent flowers," Desiere said.

He said RBR parent Bill Gerth was instrumental in purchasing the trees from Casola Farms in Holmdel.

RBR Parent Joseph Dean also carved two garden stones in which Farrow and Martin's names were engraved. The stones were placed at the base of both trees by Martin and Farrow's fellow classmates.

"We hope the planting of these trees will honor their memories," Senior Class Co-Advisor April Chichelo said.