Students, colleagues, family, and friends of the late Michèle Atallah gathered at Bethlehem Central High School on Friday, May 29, to celebrate the opening of a newly renovated courtyard, memorial garden, and bench dedicated to the beloved French teacher who passed away from cancer in the fall of 2025. Atallah had taught at the high school for 37 years.
The courtyard garden will be open to students and staff at the school.
Donations from alumni, staff, and community members poured in this spring thanks to a student-led courtyard fundraising effort. Two local businesses, Young Landscapes and Staucet’s Landscaping & Nursery, also made generous donations of both labor and goods. Young Landscapes created a beautiful stone pathway and patio that anchors the space. Both Young and Staucet’s worked with building leaders and the district’s Operations and Maintenance team to renovate the space.
The family of Michèle Atallah, including her husband, George, and her children, Leila and Tarek, were present for last Friday’s unveiling. Seniors Max Kuperman and Claire Aliggayu led the efforts by the Class of 2026 to see the garden courtyard open before they graduate on June 27.
Thank you to Max and Claire, all of our generous donors, Principal Doemel, the BC Operations & Maintenance Team, and lastly, to Madame Atallah for her beauty and inspiration.