Bullis School Dedicates Patio to Camille 'Cami' Baruch

The night before their graduation, Bullis School seniors gathered to remember their classmate Camille 'Cami' Baruch, who passed away earlier this year after a long illness.

Students and friends and family of Baruch dedicated a special patio outside the school to her on May 31. The patio—with seating and a waterfall—had opened before the end of the school year, and had quickly become a favorite place for students to gather or to sit quietly, Susie Zimmermann, a spokeswoman for the school, told Patch.

A plaque at the patio reads:

The Cami Baruch Patio

A Gift of

The Sullivan Family and the Class of 2013

In memory of Camille 'Cami' Baruch, beloved memory of the Class of 2013.

May this tranquil spot on campus remind us of Cami's spirit that inspired us all: her intelligence, wit, sense of humor and perseverance to celebrate life in spite of all challenges.

"It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling

Baruch had selected the Harry Potter quote for her senior page in the yearbook, Zimmermann said.

Bullis School head Dr. Gerald L. Boarman spoke at the dedication. In his remarks, he said that:

"This is a fitting time as we embark on the celebration of this weekend’s graduation festivities to take a minute and celebrate the life of one member of our class who sadly is not with us today, but will always be in our hearts."

"Cami was tragically taken from our lives just a few months ago, and our community and our senior class have not let a day pass when we do not all remember her."

"Thanks to the generosity of the Class of 2013 and the Sullivan Family, we are here to dedicate this patio. It was built to provide a peaceful sanctuary for the community, and in just the few weeks since it has been completed it has been wonderful to see students already enjoying it—sitting, studying and taking in the peace and serenity it offers. Even our very youngest students understand how this patio came to be, and they share in the respect and honor that will always be held for this special space."