East Meadow School District unveils Unity Day mural, spotlights terrific kids

Posted

The effort, creativity and thoughtfulness of East Meadow students was put on display at the East Meadow Board of Education meeting on Nov. 18, where PTA Council President Veronica Nicastro and Music/Art Director Kelly Gelfer unveiled this year’s Unity Day mural. In addition to the presentation, the board and East Meadow Kiwanis also recognized the district’s Terrific Kids.

“Terrific Kids is a student recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance,” explained Kevin Kamper, a past president of the East Meadow Kiwanis Club. “The Kiwanis Club, in partnership with the district, is a proud sponsor of the Terrific Kids award.”

W.T. Clarke Middle School Principal Stacy Breslin and Woodland Middle School Principal James Lethbridge then announced the Terrific Kids from their respective schools for the months of September, October and November. Normally, the chosen students would be presented with special certificates by the board, but due to safety restrictions, they were not able to be present.

Following the presentation of the Terrific Kids, Nicastro and Gelfer presented the completed Unity Day mural and its significance. More than 8,000 signed paper hearts make up the rainbow mural, representing the East Meadow community. Bordering the mural are individually designed paper butterflies, which were created by members of the East Meadow and W.T. Clarke high school art honor societies.

“Amid the coronavirus pandemic, rainbows began appearing in windows across the country and became a symbol of hope,” Gelfer said. “The East Meadow rainbow mural we present this evening reminds us that we are united in hope, love and kindness, and we are all in this together.”

—Brian Stieglitz