Planting a memory of late teacher, as Waterford Valley High wraps 1st year

Students and staff at a west-end St. John's high school planted a dogberry tree Thursday in memory of a teacher who passed away suddenly during the school's first year.

"We're celebrating the life of Danny King, one of the best teachers anybody could ever meet," said student Trevor Granter, who said King was the reason he played rugby.

• St. John's teacher, rugby player Danny King dies suddenly
• 'He was a force to be reckoned with': The too-short life of Danny King

King, a physical education and nutrition teacher at Waterford Valley High School, died suddenly Jan. 17 of heart failure.

"I was devastated," said Granter who described King as "the best rugby coach ever...It's just shocking how he passed away."

Another student who battled a serious health issue of his own said King allowed him to "catch up" in his classes.

"About two-and-a-half years go I actually had a stroke while playing hockey, and Danny King is one of the main reasons I am graduating this year," said Jordan Chaulk, who missed a full year of school while he recovered.

"It's a strong tree, which he was, a strong guy," said Chaulk. "He was a really good role model for the students here."

King's death came midway through Waterford Valley's first year, just before midterm exams.

"Everyone loved him here at the school. He was a true warrior," said Nicholas Hillier. 

He had warrior spirit and he, he just walked into the school and whenever you saw him he would make you smile," said Hillier, who is finishing Level 1 and plans to run for school council in the fall.

School spirit

Hillier said the first year at Waterford Valley High — the school opened in September 2015, replacing two inner city schools, Booth Memorial and Bishops College — has been a good start.

• First tour given at new St. John's high school

He said the building is "beautiful," teachers are supportive and the 850 or so students who attend have "amazing" school spirit.

"There were a few challenges," said the principal Bridget Ricketts. "But we're all together now."

The tragedy of losing a "beloved teacher," Ricketts said, was hard and the school wanted to have a memorial.

"The tree is very significant. The dogberry tree in Newfoundland can sometimes be sparse and there's a lot of them around and things, but they're very, very hardy." she said.

When she walks past the memorial near the front entrance, "I'm going to think about how special life is, and how it comes full circle."