PORTSMOUTH — Ann Grimes may soon be leaving Hathaway School, but students will always have something to remember her by.

The school held an Arbor Day celebration last Friday — indoors due to the rain — and honored Mrs. Grimes, a student support specialist who’s retiring after 26 years with the district, with the planting of a tulip tree.

“This tree symbolizes the legacy she leaves behind,” said fellow teacher Karen Moore. 

Motioning to the kindergarten students gathered before her and Mrs. Grimes, Mrs. Moore added, “I like to consider its buds all those little spouts in front of you.”

Town Council President Kevin Aguiar read a town proclamation thanking Mrs. Grimes “for her 26 years of unwavering dedication to her students and staff in the Portsmouth School District.”

The proclamation also thanked National Grid for donating the tulip tree, the Portsmouth Public Works Department for preparing it for planting, and Hathaway students and staff for planting the tree.

Tree Warden John Fitzgerald told students that trees “aren’t just nice to look at,” but they also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. He urged families to take advantage of the town’s annual seedling give-away, which is held every April.

Students then took turns thanking Mrs. Grimes, read Arbor Day poetry and finished by singing, “It’s a Beautiful Day.”

“This is such a special day for me,” said Mrs. Grimes as she thanked students and staff for their kinds words. She promised to come back to visit students as they watch the tree grow into maturity.

“This tree really is going to be special for us. I’m going to come back in fourth grade and we’ll sit under the tree together,” she said.