Adinolfi’s Children’s State Flower Bill Signed by Governor

HARTFORD – Today, Rep. Al Adinolfi’s proposal establishing Michaela Petit’s Four O’Clock as the children’s state flower was signed into law by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Also in attendance at this afternoon’s bill signing was Michaela’s father Dr. William A. Petit, Jr. and the Petit Foundation’s Vicki Scott.

The governor’s signature on the bill solidified the law’s intention, which is to honor the 11-year-old Cheshire native who fell victim to an unspeakable home invasion back in 2007. This will pave the way for children to understand Michaela’s legacy, Adinolfi said, which he believes is a genuine love for life and finding joy in the simplicities of it.

“The best way to make a positive out of this situation is to memorialize Michaela by creating a state flower,” Adinolfi said. “Children across the state will now be able to see and use this flower in order to honor and recognize the good qualities of life, something we all can do to carry on Michaela’s spirit.”

Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) added, “Although bittersweet, I cannot think of a better way to forever capture the bright spirit of a beautiful child, perfectly embodied in a delicate and brilliant flower.  With today’s signing, we celebrate Michaela Petit and we honor her gifts to the world of genuine kindness and love with the Michaela Petit Four O’Clock.”

The Four O’Clock was chosen to become the state flower because Michaela and Dr. Petit would plant them in their home garden. Following the home invasion, the Four O’Clock showed its resilience and blossomed out of the Petit family home’s charred remains. The Petit Family Foundation sells the seeds of the Four O’clock. The proceeds are used to fund a scholarship for girls.

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 (Pictured: Rep. Al Adinolfi (R-Cheshire), left with Dr. Petit following the bill signing.)