Features 2000 |
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...Volunteers, Donors, Teachers, Students, Administrators - One Team
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Editor's Note: The power of volunteerism in a democracy - in this country - is not fully appreciated or perhaps simply taken for granted. I often marvel at the enthusiasm that is generated and the success achieved by a diverse group of dedicated people working together for a common cause. The program described here is just one example of the types of cooperative efforts that are going on in our city at any given time. This, then, is a tribute to all those who joined together to show their support of the school and commitment to our students.
THE FIRST STEP It all began with the establishment of a Beautification Committee as a sub-committee of the Melrose High School PTO some two years ago. The objective: to brighten up the high school by focusing on the entrance area, lobbies and stairwells, along with improving the general appearance of the area leading to the main entrance. We are delighted to report on the progress made. VOLUNTEER PAINT PARTIES Fresh coats of fire engine red paint were applied to the doors and railings. The stairwells were brightened by "inspirational graffiti", whereby the students chose famous quotes and painted them in artistic script on the walls. The huge rear wall of the cafetorium and the teachers room were painted a warm yellow. The painters were Art Blanchard, Christine Blanchard, Steve Basteri, Ann Casey, George Casey, Michael Creeden, Kitty Donahue, Barbara Drauschke, Mark Drauschke, Guido Federico, Lysandra Ferentinos, Mari Ferentinos, Kathy Haeker, Kathy Harlow, Mike Lackett, Maryellen McNamara, Caitlyn Mead, Elaine Mead, Sue Morris, Mike Morris, Janet Murphy, Pat O'Leary Thorpe, Michael Oliviera, Amy Picard, Linda Stanford, Frank Stanford, Sheila Tighe and Rosemarie Vecchio. Special thanks to Kip Beckford, Head of Maintenance and Senior Custodian Jim O'Hare for their advice and assistance. Thanks for the memories! Under the direction of retiring art department head Paul Squatrito, student artists over the past five years have been working to complete this remarkable 2000 year time line. Pictured in front of the canvas are: Teacher Susan Fogarty, senior class advisor, Jim Driscoll, committee member, Principal Dr. Dan Burke, Mr. Squatrito and Ann Casey, MHS Beautification Committee Chairperson. 2,000 YEAR TIME LINE When parents painted the rear wall of the cafetorium in the winter of 1999, they did not realize that they were preparing a huge canvas for student artists in the spring of 2000. Paul Squartrito, the retiring head of the art department, along with students over the past five years had prepared a two thousand year time line representing the major achievements in art, science and history. Mr. Squartrito's Opus gave a wonderful facelift to the cafetorium, bringing history, art and science alive for students in the most trafficked area of the school and giving our many student-artists a showcase for their talents. MELROSE ARTS COUNCIL GRANTS The Air Brush Window Project Grant enabled local artist and MHS graduate Jason Haus to create an air brush mural on the windows of the computer room which was a dramatic addition to that corridor. The Council also gave a grant for the Student Activity Mosaic, which is a mosaic of canvases of all the student activities at MHS. The mosaic is hanging in the atrium well in the lobby. MASS RELEAF GRANT Through the efforts of Steve Cefalo, the MHS Beautification Committee was awarded a Mass Releaf Grant of thirty-three trees, which were planted under the guidance of City Arborist Barbara Jesse. A portion of the money donated will pay for landscaping the front entrance to the school this fall. LIGHTED DISPLAY CASES Money was raised from the Melrose community to purchase 2 lighted display cases, one to showcase the talents of our student artists and the other for trophies for student athletes. MHS CLASS OF 2000 GIFT The Class of 2000, as their gift to the school, have donated a sign designating MELROSE HIGH SCHOOL MAIN ENTRANCE. Teacher Susan Fogarty is the senior class advisor. REMARKABLE RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR FUNDS We are also very appreciative of the support received from the following donors. Their generous response has made it possible for the committee to complete its journey.
Our thanks also to Jim Oosterman and the Melrose Cooperative Bank Team for arranging to process and record the donations received. Here are the members of the MHS PTO Beautification Program Committee: Patty Cascio; Ann Casey (Chairperson); Steve Cefalo; Jim Driscoll; Mari Ferentinos; Jean Gorman; Roseanne Graham; Kathy Harlow; Marsha Hennessy; Elaine Mead; Janet Murphy; Barbara Musselman; Jane Torchiana-Schaeffer; Rosemarie Vecchio Honorary Member: Dr. Daniel Burke, MHS Principal August 5, 2000
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