As schools across the state closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of numerous school events like senior activities, dances, sports and especially graduation, became relatively unclear.
But in recent weeks, school districts have received some guidance on ways to potentially honor high school graduates, after the social gathering limit for outdoor events was recently increased to 25 people by Gov. Phil Murphy.
More than two months of remote learning have made it difficult for students in Voorhees Township and across South Jersey to celebrate the ending of what has been a difficult school year. So Voorhees started work weeks ago on a special way to acknowledge students, with help it sought from the Voorhees Art’s Council.
“Deputy Mayor Michelle Nocito reached out to us after she had the idea of wanting to acknowledge in some way all the graduating students in our community, as well as township students in general,” said VAC Co-chair Marianne Leone.
“Eventually, the township came to us with the idea of being able to help students celebrate this past year or their school experience in general with a mural wall.”
The wall took approximately four weeks to complete. With the help of more than a dozen artists, the arts council completed a 198-foot wide mural at Voorhees Town Center that celebrates students from kindergarten to high school. Included on the wall are various references to students from Voorhees Township’s four elementary schools, various clubs, sports and groups at Eastern Regional.
“We wanted every child and graduate to see themselves on the wall,” said Leone. “We wanted to acknowledge all of the sports, all of the clubs and all of the activities.”
The light blue mural features numerous panels of students going through years of schooling, with the silhouettes sometimes holding flags or balloons that display various components of school life. Others are shown holding painted items, such as musical or sports equipment.
With its official unveiling, Leone says the mural is open for families to take pictures as a way to commemorate the past several months of school, and to celebrate graduations from elementary school, middle school, high school and even college.
Although a packed mural, space was intentionally left at the end of each level of schooling for students to take a picture next to the silhouette of a principal handing them a diploma. The township requests residents at the mural adhere to social distancing standards. According to Leone, the wall is expected to stay up until the end of the year, since some students will not graduate until December.
Mayor Michael Mignogna said the wall is a fantastic way to honor students and seniors.
“When it became apparent that graduations at all levels were not going to be done in the traditional way they’re always done, we thought it would be a good idea to come up with a way to honor the graduates and give them and their families an opportunity to celebrate some happiness, especially in times like this,” Mignogna explained.
“We could not be happier about the way it turned out; the Voorhees Arts Council did a great job, like they always do.”
While much talk at the state level has largely focused on finding ways to host graduations for seniors, Mignogna said a significant part of the Voorhees mural focuses on all grades.
“It gives graduates of all levels the opportunity to celebrate,” the mayor noted. “It feels just as important for a student at all of these levels that they’re moving on to that next stage.”
Going forward, Leone says the Voorhees Arts Council plans to possibly host future activities at the location to bring attention to its work. More information on the group’s work and events can be found at www.voorheesartscouncil.org.
