(Rockwall ISD) June 4, 2013 – On the morning of Monday, May 29, Dorothy Smith Pullen Elementary students released 85 Painted Lady butterflies at Betterton’s Butterfly Garden in memoriam of Nate Oxford, a former student at Pullen Elementary who lost his battle to cancer earlier this year.  

This special garden was named after Pullen music teacher, Laci Betterton, who was killed in a tragic car accident along with her husband James.  For Pullen students, teachers, and staff and well as the Rockwall community, this garden has become a special memorial for both Laci and Nate.

The Pullen PTA purchased a special bench inscribed with the words “In Memory of Nate Oxford” and Pullen first grade parents generously donated money to purchase the 85 butterflies that were released. The Oxford family was in attendance and they were presented with a special hand painted book including letters that each student had hand written to the family.  In addition, an olive tree was selected by the family to be planted in the garden.

  Betterton, butterfly release, cancer, Nate Oxford, Pullen Elementary, Rockwall ISD