“It was heart-warming to see how one of our students used her tremendous talent to present such a touching gift to our high school,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Melissa Burak said. “It will be treasured.”

Varvaro shared a story just before unveiling her portrait in which Barbarino told her to never give up her talent as an artist at last year’s art show. “Since I am leaving the high school with many good memories,” she said, “I wanted to leave the high school with a gift and I thought the least I could do was paint a portrait in honor of him.”

Barbarino’s well-known smile and green and gold jacket will be seen for years to come.

“I can’t even express how honored I am to know this painting will be put up in the high school as a remembrance of someone we all hold close to our hearts,” she continued.