The Carroll County High School Dance Team recently left a lasting gift to the community by planting an orchard at Point Park in Carrollton, creating a space that will provide fresh fruit and honor a beloved family member for years to come.
Dance team members planted eight fruit trees, including apple, pear, peach and cherry trees, in an open area of the park near Second Street. The orchard serves as a tribute to Sherry Bartley, the late mother of dance team coach Katrina Bartley Baute and grandmother of team member Cecilia Baute.
The project began as the team searched for a meaningful way to give back to the community. After holding fundraisers such as dance camp, candle sales and other events, team members wanted their efforts to benefit others.
"We wanted to do some sort of fundraiser to give back to the community," Cecilia said. "My grandma always wanted to have fruit trees somewhere, and we wanted people to be able to eat fresh fruit."
Before her passing, Sherry Bartley donated money specifically to purchase fruit trees. That gift became the foundation of the orchard project.
The team worked with the City of Carrollton to select a location and schedule the planting. Community members experienced in tree planting, assisted with installing the trees.
Senior Kaidence Crawford said the orchard also represents a meaningful farewell for the team.
"The whole team is seniors," she said. "This could be our goodbye, the last thing we do before we leave."
The orchard has already generated excitement throughout the community, with residents expressing interest in donating additional trees in the future. Team members hope the project continues to grow and serve generations to come.
Located at Point Park, the orchard is easily accessible to visitors enjoying the park.