Teachers, friends and family of the late Abigail Elsinger gathered at the Beechwood Elementary playground Friday to see a tree planted in her honor. Abigail, the daughter of Yolanda and Owen Elsinger, died peacefully in her sleep April 28, 2015.

Abigail’s teacher Ruth Ann Drake gave a speech to her friends and family before the tree was planted. The tree, a southern magnolia, was donated by the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District.

“Our Abby was a unique, determined and strong-willed little girl,” she said. “She overcame many obstacles in her life.”

Drake said Abigail loved music, videos and computer games.

“She was very selective,” she said. “At times, Abby could be very challenging, but you would forget all about the challenges she gave you with this (Drake blew a kiss to the children), and it was all forgotten. Every day we got a kiss.”

Drake said Abigail’s presence was still felt at Beechwood.

“She visits some of us in our dreams,” she said. “When she comes, it’s always the same thing — I’ve talked to people — she always lets you know she is happy and at peace.”

Drake said Abigail’s friends at Beechwood will miss her forever.

“This tree we’re planting today is a symbol of our love for Abby,” she said.

Before the tree was planted, Abigail’s classmates chanted “We miss you, and we love you, Abby,” in unison before placing rocks they had painted around the base of the tree.

Beechwood Principal Tamikia Billings said Abigail was a kind-hearted, sweet young lady.

“She was very special to us,” she said. “She impacted the lives of so many people.”

Billings said everyone at Beechwood was honored to share the planting of the tree with Abigail’s family.

“We want her legacy to live on at Beechwood,” she said. “It lives on each day through her presence throughout the building and the classrooms.”

Yolanda Elsinger said she thought the tree was a great way to remember her daughter.

“She loved to sit under trees,” she said. “I thought it was very sweet, especially all the rocks that the kids colored. It’s very thoughtful and it will be here forever.”

Yolanda said the special education department has been wonderful since Abigail entered Beechwood, including Drake, Nancy Powers, Emily Custer and Angela Marshall.

“If anything, we just don’t want her forgotten,” she said.