Arbor Day tree will grow in memory of principal's son

Maeleeke J. Lavan
Staff writer

(April 30, 2005) — EAST ROCHESTER — Daniel Karg was at home on the athletic field. It's only natural, his father, Jim Karg, said, that a tree in his memory be planted in the same place. Last April, Daniel Karg, 25, died in a car accident. His car went off the road in Herkimer County and flipped several times. On Friday, Jim Karg, the principal of East Rochester High School, his wife, Noreen, and other family friends attended an Arbor Day ceremony on the school's campus. A weeping cherry will be planted near the school's athletic fields Monday in Daniel Karg's memory. A graduate of Fairport High School and Ithaca College, Daniel Karg played football and lacrosse. He also coached boys' basketball, football and lacrosse at area schools. He was also a physical education teacher at Monroe BOCES 1.

HEATHER CHARLES staff photographer Elliott Butt, left, and Noreen and Jim Karg attend an Arbor Day ceremony at East Rochester High School, where Jim Karg is principal. A weeping cherry will be planted Monday on school grounds to honor the Kargs' late son.   Jim Karg Webpage East Rochester Jr/Sr High - Principal   Mr. Jim Karg's Email

"He seemed to excel on the field even though he worked hard in the classroom," Jim Karg said.

Staff and students gathered on the grass between the elementary and middle schools for the ceremony.

Arbor Day, traditionally celebrated the last Friday in April, is a national observance that encourages caring for and planting trees.

Other ceremonies took place Friday throughout the Rochester area.

More than 60 people attended a celebration behind the Blue Cross Arena at the Community War Memorial.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and a representative from the city of Rochester read a joint proclamation during the program, recognizing Arbor Day in the city and county.

The Rochester Rotary Club, with the help of schoolchildren, planted a Rotary-donated red oak commemorating the 100th anniversary of Rotary International.

"Trees help us and we should help trees,'' said Charles Nash, a third-grader from the city's School 8, when asked why he wanted to participate in the planting.

Elliott Butt attended East Rochester's ceremony. He met Daniel Karg in college. The two were roommates for five years.

"Dan was one of the few individuals I met that really loved to live," he said. "He was very simple. He wasn't complicated, and teaching was one of the things he really wanted to do."

Jim Karg said his son touched the lives of many. "I guess wherever he is now, he does know everyone cared about him."

MLAVAN@DemocratandChronicle.com

Includes reporting by staff writer Kevin Bryant Hicks.

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