On the morning of April 21, 2010, staff and students of Poplar Elementary School gathered to dedicate a tree to honor Marine Cpl. Phillip Baucus. Cpl. Baucus, 28, lost his life on July 29, 2006 while conducting combat operations in Rawah, Iraq. His wife, Katharine Baucus, is teacher at Poplar and her fourth grade class undertook the planning the ceremony to honor Cpl. Baucus.

The students began planning the ceremony back in February.  They set about by inviting government representatives at the local, state, and national level. While most of the senators and assembly members were unable to attend, a few sent representatives in their stead, including: Jenell Bier (Congressman Joe Baca), Manuel Carrillo (Senator Gloria McLeod), Esther Jimenez (Assembly Member Wilmar Carter), and Brittany Reher (Assembly Member Bill Emmerson). City Council Member John Roberts attended, along with FUSD Board Members Gus Hawthorn, Laura Mancha, and Julie Ramos. Although he could not attend, Mrs. Baucus’ class was excited to receive a personal letter from Vice President Joseph Biden which they read at the ceremony.

LtCol. Kassner, who commands Cpl. Baucus’ battalion, the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force based in Twentynine Palms sent fifteen Marines to represent the battalion. Many of the Marines had served with Cpl. Baucus and are still on active duty.

The class also invited SgtMaj. Nicolia of the Fontana High School JROTC. SgtMaj. Nicolia brought along the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard who performed the presentation of the colors at the ceremony.

As they continued to plan the Dedication Ceremony, the class decided they wanted to a reader’s theater on the Preamble of the Constitution. The other fourth grade classes at Poplar helped them out with this. They also selected two songs to sing, “America the Beautiful” and the “Marine Corps Hymn.” Their music teacher, Marjorie Finley, helped them with their performance.

The students also sent letters to local business asking them to help out. Office Max donated their services by printing the pamphlet the class created themselves detailing Cpl. Baucus’ life. Panera Bread provided coffee and treats for the reception following the ceremony. Engrave N’Things donated their services to engrave the plaque that will rest beneath the tree, which was donated by fellow teacher, Mabel Garza.

"Cpl. Baucus lost his life while serving our country,” said Mrs. Baucus. “We feel we need to honor his memory and his sacrifice."

 Mrs. Baucus was quick to add, "This tree dedication would not have been possible without the support of Mrs. Hiser, Principal of Poplar Elementary School.  She provided positive feedback to every question the class asked her along the way.”

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