Memphis student memorialized in sugar, spice for Rose Parade float

The Commercial Appeal | Jane Roberts
PHOTO BY KYLE KURLICK
December 6, 2012 - Yolanda Walton-Torres (left) receives a hug from Javontay Reggans during a ceremony at East High School to dedicate a floragraph of her daughter, Lexie Davis, who was an organ donor. The floragraph of Lexie will be featured along with 71 other donors on the Donate Life float at the 2013 Rose Bowl Parade. (Kyle Kurlick/Special to The Commercial Appeal)

Lexie Davis was back at East High on Thursday, determined as ever and smiling the smile teenagers flash when the world's going their way.

This time, her face was made of poppy seeds, ground coffee and dried strawberry flakes. For her mother, it was like Lexie had come back to life in a big way.

"I felt like I was going to the Academy Awards in honor of my daughter," said Yolanda Walton-Torres. "She won best actress today."

Lexie's "floragraph" is one of 72 organ donor portraits to be featured on the Donate Life float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day.

The portrait was unveiled in a school assembly at East, where Lexie was a freshman when she drowned at home in the bathtub after an epileptic seizure.

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