Thursday, May 4, 2023 — 1:00pm
Maryville College
Link to Video of Dedication
Group photo — Memorial Dedication
Honoring Maiah Alyssa Reilich-Godino
Imagine, Embrace, Celebrate life & each other
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What a beautiful, beautiful day for Maiah’s Memorial Dedication at Maryville College in the College Orchard with dedication Sermon given by Maiah’s Campus Minister, Reverend Anne McKee, and words from 2023 MC Class President Maddie Taylor.
We were blessed by those who came out virtually and in person and share some photos taken here. This is a compilation of the FaceBook live feed from the dedication ceremony as well as video and stills taken before and after.
For the dedication ceremony — we had technology problems which resulted in three sepearate photos — so some of Rev. Anne’s words are missing between those videos and the visual quality of that section is not the best, but the love, intention and joy of the day comes through clearly.
This also features a video taken on what would have been Maiah’s Maryville College graduation day — May 6, 2023 — Maiah’s mom Lisa playing Coleman’s March on Maiah’s childhood pennywhistle with Maiah’s lil’ pup Squiggles on the bench.
Squiggles on Maiah’s Bench
Special thanks to Savannah Lickel, Khalie Cleveland, Maddie Taylor, the MC Student Government Association and MC Director of Development Eric Bellah. Thank you for all of you who have held space for Maiah and our family on the Dedication Day, in days past and continue to hold us in so many ways. It makes all the difference.
Savannah, Khalie, Margaret Mae & Lisa
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Thursday, May 4, 1:00pm
Honoring Maiah Alyssa Reilich-Godino
Imagine, Embrace, Celebrate life & each other
- Welcome – 1:00pm – Maddie Taylor, Maryville College SGA President, Class 2023
- Words from Anne McKee
- Anne offers opportunity for attendees to share a word of gratitude
I Have a Dream – ukulele, Maiah’s mom Lisa and all
- Prayer from Anne, everyone near bench
- Close – Coleman’s March – enjoy refreshments and take pictures
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GSMNP — Foothills Parkway, Maiah’s Magical Portal
LYRICS
I Have a Dream
I Have a Dream, a song to sing
To help me cope, with anything
If you see the wonder, of a fairy tale
You can take the future, even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream, I Have a Dream
I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through, reality
And my destination, makes it worth the while
Pushin’ through the darkness, still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream, I Have a Dream
I Have a Dream, a song to sing
To help me cope, with anything
If you see the wonder, of a fairy tale
You can take the future, even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream, I Have a Dream
I Have a Dream
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Bench plaque
Class of 2023
Maiah Alyssa Reilich-Godino
2001 – 2020
“Imagine”
Maiah’s Bench — Mom Lisa and Sister Margaret Mae
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Tree plaque
MATTHEW 25:31-46
AND THE KING WILL ANSWER THEM, “TRULY I TELL YOU, JUST AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE WHO ARE MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY, YOU DID IT TO ME.”
IN GRATITUDE TO THE MARYVILLE COLLEGE FRIENDS OF MAIAH ALYSSA REILICH-GODINO
CLASS OF 2023
Bench is facing this sign and Maiah’s thoughts about the sign/spot for English composition
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Orchard Sign — Photo Credit to Maiah
Maiah Reilich-Godino
Essay
Option 1
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.”
-Rachel Carson
When Encountered: Thursday after I finished my classes I decided I wanted to go exploring in the woods. I was a little stressed out and I missed my home and was nervous that I was not good enough to be at this school. As I was walking the sun came out from behind the clouds, and I walked into a little clearing with apple and plum trees. In front of the orchard was a sign with this quote posted on it.
Who was involved: Myself and mother nature
Why did you read this: It was by chance that I stumbled upon this piece of writing, however I don’t know if I completely believe in chance.
Why it stood out: There is something so reassuring with the word of this poem. It is a firm reminder that this too shall pass, the sun will always rise in the morning, and the flowers will always bloom again.
Why/how is it an effective piece of writing: It uses extremely powerful imagery inorder to paint a clear image. It makes a statement at the beginning of the poem, and then follows with an example of why the statement is indeed true.
Relevance to me: I have always had a strong connection and deep respect for mother nature. This allows me to relate to it in the literal sense, however I also feel like there is an underlay figurative meaning.
Even if things are not where you need/want them to be right now, in time and with patience you will get where you are trying to go.
GSMNP — Foothills Parkway, Sunrise
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