A former Father Henri Voisin School student who passed away from cancer almost two years ago was honoured by her friends, family, and former school this week.

On Wednesday, September 23rd, the Julie Burke Memorial Bench was unveiled at the school in Red Deer, which will serve as a friendship bench for the students.

The idea for the bench came from Julie, who hoped it would help kids be kinder to each other.

A friendship bench is for students who may be looking for a friend to sit on, which would encourage other students to invite them to play. 

The 10-year-old passed away from a type of soft tissue cancer known as alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

Remembered as a girl who was full of kindness and bravery despite her illness, her former grade 5 teacher Jessica Maloughney fondly recalls memories of her and says that the bench will be a symbol of Julie's love and bravery.

Even though Julianna is no longer here with us, she lives on in all of our hearts. When a student is brave enough to sit on the bench, waiting for a friend - Julie will be there with them. When one of you sees someone sitting on this bench, and invites them to play - Julie will be with you too.”

“We feel extremely blessed and privileged to have been provided this bench by the Burke family. It will honour Julie's memory and provide a powerful reminder of the value of friendship, as well as the importance of bravery. Present and future students will vastly benefit from this legacy of a child that lived her life with steadfast love in her heart for all.” Father Henri Voisin School Principal, Jeff Tuchscherer. 

The Julie Burke Memorial Bench will face the playground and will serve as a reminder to all the students at Father Henri Voisin School that nothing is more important than friendship and kindness, just like Julie believed.