3 days ago
Johnstown HS Senior plants tree to honor woman killed in DUI crash
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — A newly planted tree will begin to develop its roots at the Greater Johnstown High School in honor of Olivia Red.
Red, a 20-year-old woman, was killed seven years ago as a result of a wrong-way DUI crash on Route 219 in Cambria County. Her car was hit head-on, causing it to spin and land directly in the path of an 18-wheeler truck.
Determined to help others, 'LivRed' and teach them to be like Olivia, one of her sisters, Stephanie, spoke at an assembly two years ago at Johnstown High School. After hearing that speech, Helen Miller, a sophomore at the time, made it her mission to honor Olivia in some way.
'I felt like it was a good way to give back to her at our school, where it was in memory of her,' Miller said.
Now a senior and in the Aevidum Club at school, Miller chose to plant a tree as a physical reminder for students and visitors. The Swamp White Oak tree was delivered on Wednesday, with Miller's family and Olivia's other sister, Nicole Antal, there to support.
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Swamp white oak trees can live up to 300 years and reach heights of 50 to 75 feet. This tree is expected to grow one to two feet each year.
'It doesn't matter if it was yesterday or, you know, it'll be seven years here very soon. It feels like yesterday. But it brings a tear to your eye and touches your heart. I'm thankful that we were able to come to the school and talk to the kids. And just hearing that it's touched her, it's a good feeling,' Antal said.
The tree will be named 'Red's Roots' and a plaque will be placed near the tree.
Wednesday's tree planting was the first phase of the project. Starting in the next school year, the Aevidum club will build benches to surround the tree and place inspirational rocks nearby.
When everything is complete, the goal is to bring students outside and have classes under the tree.
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