By Quinn O’Hara

Photo by Ryan Duey

The Retired Teachers of Clay County have temporarily placed apple-shaped grave markers at the graves of Clay County educators laying in rest at the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center.

Pat James, who assisted in the organization of the project, said the goal was to honor beloved Clay County Educators who have passed in a similar way Wreaths Across America honors veterans.

The signs were funded by community donations, designed by the Audio and Visual Communications class at Clay Center Community High School, and laser cut by the CCCHS Welding 2 Class. Double L Manufacturing also donated metal for the signs.

This is the first year the group has placed grave markers. James said she hopes the movement becomes a yearly project to honor the many deceased educators in Clay County and is grateful to the community for their part in making the project a reality.