Tree honors memory of Freehold youngster

FREEHOLD — Family members and friends are remembering Kaylee Ramos in various ways.

Kaylee died in a house fire on Court Street in Freehold Borough on Feb. 2 and a tree that was planted as part of an Arbor Day celebration at the Freehold Learning Center elementary school on Dutch Lane Road is her sister Julianne's way of keeping Kaylee's memory alive.

Kaylee, 12, was a sixth-grader at the Freehold Intermediate School, Park Avenue. Julianne Ramos, 10, is a fifth-grade pupil at the Freehold Learning Center and is a member of the school's student council.

According to Carol Acosta, whose son, Eddie, attends the Freehold Learning Center, Julianne wanted to do something special to remember Kaylee.

Acosta, Sunday D'Arcangelo and Dawn Setterly, the facilitators for the student council, helped Julianne achieve her goal on April 24.

D'Arcangelo said members of the student council were looking for a project to honor Arbor Day (April 24) and thought it would be great to plant a tree on the school grounds. Julianne told D'Arcangelo that she and her mom, Gina Ramos, wanted to plant a tree for Kaylee.

Acosta's son, Eddie, who is also a member of the student council, came home and asked if there was any way his uncle could provide a tree for the dedication.

A

costa's brother, Tim Stockel, owns

Stockel Landscaping in Manalapan.

Acosta got to work and the combined desires of the student council and Julianne Ramos came to fruition as a tree was planted for Arbor Day and dedicated to Kaylee.

Stockel donated a weeping cherry blossom tree for the ceremony. Acosta's husband, Ed, who works for Stockel Landscaping, dug the hole and prepared the ground for the student council members to plant the blooming tree.

According to Acosta, Kaylee was born and raised in Freehold Borough and had many friends.

"She loved sports, especially softball and basketball, and was so full of life," Acosta said. "She also had many favorite teachers at the Freehold Learning Center, including Mr. Goldberg and Mrs. Filapek. She dreamed of being a teacher herself one day."

Acosta said one of Kaylee's fondest memories was the fourth-grade field day in which she had participated.

"She also loved to go on vacation with her family. Her favorite place to visit was Wildwood, right here in New Jersey," Acosta said.

A monument in honor of Kaylee will be placed next to the tree in the coming weeks. The monument will be donated by the Freehold Borough PBA, the Stockel-Acosta family and the Freehold Learning Center student council.

"The tree will blossom every spring and will bring new hope and new life," Acosta said. "The monument will read 'In Loving Memory,' with Kaylee's birth date and the date of her death."

In response to the tragedy, community members rallied to help Kaylee's family by donating clothing and everyday essentials after the fire ruined their home. The Ramos family deeply appreciated the outpouring of support from members of the Freehold community and surrounding communities.

Acosta said she would like the community to know that the Ramos family is still in need of many items. Donations are still welcome. According to Acosta, Visa or MasterCard gift cards or a check are the best way to make a donation. Donations may be dropped off at the Park Avenue Elementary School or at the Freehold Learning Center. Checks may be made out to Gina Ramos.

Contact Clare Marie Celano

at ccelano@gmnews.com.