April 26, 2024, Tonyia Benton Tree Planting Ceremony

This one-time event was in remembrance of Professor Tonyia Benton, English faculty, dual-credit instructor, and SKD sponsor. Her mid-semester passing was unexpected and a shock to everyone. 

A magnolia tree, the official tree of Mississippi, was planted next to the bus stop on the west side of the main building. Tonyia was from Mississippi, and it is symbolic that this tree was selected in honor. 

Here is the event program passed out at the ceremony: TB Tree Planting Program.pdf Download TB Tree Planting Program.pdf

The event was attended by various TCC faculty, staff, and administration, as well as Bishop Antonnio Benton, the widower. He brought with him some family, friends, and congregants. It was raining wildly that day, and the event was brought inside to The Hive. We intended to plant the three together, but the rain prevented us from doing that. We did, however, visit the tree during a brief lull in the rain.