Living memorial — Upton students plant daffodils to honor Holocaust victims
Back, L-R: Boston Kelly Timmy Sanders, Kaegan Hiatt, Liam Douglas, Xander Isbell, Connor Cook, Joani Charlson, Teagan McNutt, Lizzie Swearingen, Olivia Mills Front, L-R: Austin Johnson, Kaden Donner, Tayvin Huckins, Charles Wozney, Cole Rodgers, Rory Lockamy Not pictured: Logan D'Ambrogi — Submitted photo
Eighth-graders at Upton Middle School took part in a unique project this week to honor the 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust, by planting 200 daffodil bulbs as part of an international “living memorial” effort.
The project, led by English teacher Matthew Parsons, is part of The Daffodil Project, a global initiative that encourages planting daffodils to symbolize remembrance and hope. The school is the first K–12 institution in Wyoming to participate in the project. Only the University of Wyoming has joined the effort previously.
“I wanted to bring this project not only to Wyoming but specifically to our school,” Parsons said. “It’s a meaningful way to connect our Holocaust unit to something tangible and lasting.”
The planting builds on Parsons’ annual Holocaust unit and his ongoing partnership with The Butterfly Project, which memorializes children lost in the Holocaust through art. In past years, his students have created paper butterflies that now decorate the hallway outside his classroom.
This year, the project took on new life — literally — through the daffodils. Parsons secured 200 bulbs and, with the help of his eighth-grade students, planted them outside the school as a living tribute. He said he hopes to add another 200 bulbs in future years.
For the students, the experience was both educational and emotional.
“I learned about a place in my heart,” student Charles Wozney said. “This project allowed me to fully think about the victims of the Holocaust and how special their lives could have been in the future.”
Austin Johnson called it “meaningful” and said he felt honored to take part.
Kaden Donner added that he felt “special to be part of this because it is a remembrance of the children lost in the Holocaust.”
Rory Lockamy reflected on lessons of respect and tolerance.
“Just because someone’s religion is different doesn’t mean they should be hurt or outcast,” she said.
Parsons said he hopes the project encourages lasting awareness.
“For many students, this is their first time learning about the Holocaust,” he said. “I want them to understand its impact — and to remember.”
The daffodils are expected to bloom in the spring, a living reminder of lives lost and lessons learned.
About the Daffodil Project
The Daffodil Project is a worldwide initiative that seeks to create a “Living Holocaust Memorial” by planting 1.5 million daffodils — one for each of the estimated 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust.
Founded in 2010 by the nonprofit Am Yisrael Chai in Atlanta, the project has spread globally, encouraging schools, synagogues, civic groups and individuals to take part in planting memorial gardens. According to the organization, more than 1.1 million bulbs have been planted so far toward the goal.
Organizers chose the daffodil for its bright yellow color, which recalls the yellow Star of David that Jewish people were forced to wear during the Holocaust, and for its resilience — returning each spring as a symbol of hope, renewal and remembrance.
Participants are encouraged to incorporate Holocaust education and reflection into the plantings, connecting the act of gardening with lessons about tolerance and humanity. More information is available at daffodilproject.net.