John Robison from Lowes in Mason was moved by the news of Sammy’s death. When he learned she played soccer for the Warren County United Soccer Club (WCSC), he contacted the board, offering to supply items, including benches and plants, to create a memorial garden in her honor.
“Even if you only met Sammy for 10 minutes, she impacted your life. Our girls spent countless hours on the field with her during practices and games and off the field with sleepovers and tournaments. She always had a smile on her face, except when it came to game time, and that smile was replaced by determination,” said soccer club treasurer Karen Keller. “Most children at this age have not had to endure the loss of a teammate and friend. That – combined with her brothers, who continue to play with our club – was a driving factor in the garden creation. We wanted to provide someplace where everyone could go to remember Sammy.”
Sammy’s mother Jill said the garden was a wonderful way to celebrate her daughter’s life.
“I go there a few times a week, and I do feel closer to her as I enjoy the garden,” she said. “Sammy was everyone’s best friend. She believed in treating others as you want to be treated. Her memory and spirit is still very much alive, especially in this community.”
Gary Honerlaw of Honerlaw Landscaping and Design, LLC, in Mason offered to design the garden. His daughter was a teammate of Reagan’s on the Girls U12 team.
“The City of Lebanon was very supportive of the efforts of the individuals and organizations that constructed the Sammy Reagan Memorial in response to this tragic incident,” said Deputy City Manager Scott Brunka. “It is always amazing to see people in the community come together and create a memorial like this, which will last for years to come.”
Mike Tepe, owner of Tepe Nursery Inc. in Oregonia, donated trees for the project. Chris Gallagher of Gallagher Lawn Care in Lebanon helped to prepare the area, moving large stones, edging and tilling. Additional donations came from Allison Nursery, who donated three maple trees, and Natorps provided perennials.
WCSC Board President Pete Dipasquale said the players and families of the Girls U12 team will maintain the memorial garden each year, “keeping the story and spirit of Sammy alive year after year.”
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