Tree planted in honor of Waterbury teen

Waterbury, Conn (WTNH) - A day before Waterbury high school students graduate, they gathered in front of the school to plant a tree to remember their fallen classmate who should be graduating with them.

"He was well known, well respected, and they show that with ceremonies and awards like this one," said Willie Robinson, stepfather of John Frazier, known to friends and family as Jon-Jon.

The ceremony was extra special for the family, because it falls just one day before they would have watched Jon-Jon walk across the stage and receive his high school diploma.

"I really start to think about that part, and I kind of get a bit misty-eyed, because I know it's going to be a sad event, but at the same time it's going to be a relief that they're going to do something. They're going to mention his name. They're going to honor him," Robinson said.

Jon-Jon's mother Nellie has fought tirelessly to keep her son's legacy alive since he was shot dead on his 17th birthday. After lobbying hard to get school officials to read her son's name during graduation, they finally agreed.

"Even though it's sad he won't be a part of it, he won't walk across the stage himself, to know that they're thinking of him, he's walking with them spiritually, so he'll be there," said Robinson.

Before planting the tree, students and teachers gathered inside the Kaynor Technical High School's gymnasium for a private ceremony dedicated to Jon-Jon. No cameras were allowed inside, but Jon-Jon's stepfather recounted the tribute for us.

"A lot of people said a lot of words. They gave us a plaque, a certificate of completion, they gave us a Kaynor shirt that was signed by the whole senior class members," Robinson said.

And now they have a tree, which long after the class graduates, will continue to grow, and provide family and friends with a place to remember Jon-Jon.