Pat Quinn, a Middle School Home and Careers teacher, applied for, and was awarded a grant to the Home and Careers and Art clubs through the Rockville Centre Education Foundation for the development and design of such a piece. Both young and old gathered together to create this tactile expression. A diverse population of students, including those from the Home and Careers club, the Art club and C.O.R.E., worked to visually create a tribute to the men and women of Rockville Centre and South Hempstead who succumbed on that tragic day. Art Club advisors, Mrs. Ann Israeli and Mrs. Joanne Wojdylo, used their artistic talents to chronicle the names of our friends and neighbors who were victims of the incident. Advisors, teachers and community members cut, pieced and stitched, alongside the youngsters.
As the students worked, they spoke about what had happened and how they felt. Surprisingly, although there was mention of being afraid and not being able to comprehend why this event occurred, the students seemed to focus on renewed thoughts of caring for other people, peace and patriotism. Patriotism was a key theme in the quilt, as well, in its red, white and blue design. The discussions that ensued around the quilt were cathartic for the participants, and assisted in releasing some of the emotional tension and anxiety felt by all.
During February's school board meeting, representatives from the clubs were proud to present the Rockville Centre School district with the quilt. A PowerPoint presentation on the development and design of the quilt was shown for attendees by Middle School Home and Careers teacher, Jean Horn.
The quilt will travel to the Rockville Centre Public Library for display. Eventually, it will return to South Side Middle School, to be appreciated by all who grace its halls.
