The Laurel Tree Board celebrated the continuation of its live oak tree program, named “A Tree Grows in Laurel,” with a brief ceremony at Cotton Mill Park Friday.

Four women, all with ties to area horticulture, received certificates from Wanda Benson, who was in attendance representing Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack.

The recipients, who all had trees planted in the park in their honor, were Cynthia Rahaim, a former city horticulturist and arborist; Paulette Boone Frohman, who started the program; Paula Watkins, chairman of the Laurel Tree board and “queen of trees”; and former mayor Susan Vincent.

“All of the trees are given in celebration or memorial of someone,” said Rahaim, who noted that 43 trees have now been planted throughout the city. “The first tree was given in memory of (Frohman’s) aunt, who loved nature.”

Frohman added that Rahaim was soon to follow with a tree in honor of the birth of a great niece, Emmy Perkins.

“The trees have to be planed on city property for the city to maintain them,” Rahaim said. “We’ve been overwhelmed with over 43 trees being donated.”

Rahaim added that Laurel is the oldest “tree city” in Mississippi and has won numerous international awards for its work with trees.

Vincent, who noted that she used to sign the certificates presented, was “happy to finally have one.”

Watkins was informed during Friday’s ceremony that a new tree will be planted in her honor at Laurel Middle School by the Laurel Garden Club.

Benson, who serves as the city’s public relations director, said she was proud to have a Tree Board in Laurel.

“They have been replacing the trees that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina,” she said. “We need greenery around the city. It’s good to be a tree city destination.”

Benson noted that a number of trees have been planted in the historic district on 4th through 7th Streets, where oaks were broken during the storm.