Saint Francis Xavier honors graduate at the Festival of Trees

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The ?Miracle Heart' tree will be on display at the Festival of Trees through Dec. 3. 

KEARNS — Saint Francis Xavier Middle School students will honor Jasmine Yu at the annual Festival of Trees held at the South Towne Expo Center Nov. 30 to Dec. 3. Yu, St. Francis Xavier Class of ’06 and Juan Diego Catholic High School Class of ’10, passed away July 25, 2011, of a heart condition.

When Yu was 13, she underwent a heart transplant, but five years later she developed an aggressive infection that took her life.

"She graced us with 19 years of true courage, intelligence, a gorgeous smile, compassion and dance," said her family in her obituary.

"Jasmine began going to St. Francis Xavier School in pre-school and had her heart transplant when she was in eighth grade," said Vicky Simpson, the school’s math and science teacher. "Her younger brother, Jay, is now in the eighth grade. When Jasmine passed away this summer, we wanted to honor her and to support Jay and the family. They have been a part of our community for a long time."

Jasmine was actively involved in the American Heart Association and in community education about heart transplants and taking care of yourself, said Simpson. "In conjunction with that, her family felt Primary Children’s Medical Center was very instrumental in her transplant and in the support they needed at the time," she said. "This project allows us to honor Jasmine and at the same time, raise money for Primary Children’s Hospital."

The name of the tree is Miracle Heart, after Jasmine’s email address. It is decorated with ornaments made by St. Francis Xavier students.

"Everything just seemed to fall into place: Her favorite colors were red and green, and the ornaments are angels and hearts, because angels were one of Jasmine’s favorite things," Simpson said.

Simpson and her school colleagues Veronica Brand and Mary Enge have organized the project by holding retreats focusing on the themes of service, trust and faith.

"The students have really learned about life skills," said Simpson, adding they learned death happens. "But from sorrow and pain, you can make a difference through service."

"They’ve learned practical skills about how to deal with death," said Brand. "They’ve learned to step out of themselves and think of others."

"The kids have really taken ownership of this project," said Simpson. "The eighth graders especially know Jay, and have walked this walk with him and experienced the ups and downs of his emotions when Jasmine received her heart, wondering if her body would accept it, and then every time she got sick. Then they supported him during the time of her death."

Some of the eighth graders shared their feelings about this project.

"Jasmine went through a lot, but sadly I didn’t really get to know her," said CassidyJo Hollingsworth. "Hopefully this beautiful tree will help make her family feel proud."

Rylee Rendon was proud to participate in making the tree and said, "Jasmine was a true angel. She would always come up and say, ‘Hi,’ even when I was annoying and that’s how I want little kids to think of me."

Zach Southam feels good he and his fellow students are doing something good for Primary Children’s Medical Center. "They worked closely with Jasmine and we get to give back to them for helping her," he said.

Erin Killion feels touched the students are showing their love for Jasmine through the tree. "I have known Jay since kindergarten and am happy our class and the school have been a support for him."

In conjunction with the Festival of the Trees, the school community raised $800 in Jasmine’s honor for the American Heart Association. The funds were matched by eBay, where Jasmine’s father works.