Cherry Trees Donated to Medford High School

On Wednesday morning there was a special ceremony at Medford High School to dedicate three flowering cherry trees that were donated by the Japanese Consulate and the Japanese Language School of Greater Boston.

The cherry trees are a symbol of friendship between the United State and Japan. One hundred years ago the first cherry trees were donated by Japan to America (specifically to Washington, DC) as a gift. The donation of three cherry trees to Medford High School commemorated that special anniversary.

Japanese Consul General Takeshi Hikihara and his wife and representatives from the Japanese Language School attended the ceremony. The Japanese Language School has been involved with the Medford Public Schools for decades, renting Medford High on the weekends and facilitating cultural activities in the school and city.

The three trees were planted in front of Medford High School, with two by the main entrance and one near a small playground.

School Superintendent Roy Belson and Japanese Consul General Takeshi Hikihara.

School Committee member Paulette Van der Kloot and the wife of Consul General Hikihara watered one of the cherry trees.

School officials and representatives from the Japanese Consulate and the Japanese Language School with one of the trees.

– Information and photos from Medford Public Schools