News Post

Each morning, St. Joseph’s Academy’s pastoral care minister, Sister Chris Pologa, emails a schoolwide message of inspiration, hope and reflection. Her November 4 message encouraged students, faculty and staff to take a moment to reflect on how the school community weaves one heart, a reference to this year’s charism theme of Leadership: Weave One Heart. “We do it together,” Sister Chris wrote. “Geaux Stickers.”

Nicole Lane’s art classes were inspired and set out to create a group painting which reflected the power of community. The finished painting was used in the powerpoint presentation at the school’s Thanksgiving Prayer Service on November 16. It is currently on display in Mother Alice Hall.

“I thought the painting was beautiful and showed how we worked together, not just collectively by our ideas, but how we artistically evolved and made this piece a symbol of our community,” said junior Kierstyn Landry. 

Junior Britney Nall said she loved the opportunity to collaborate with her classmates. “I don’t think that it would look as good as it does if we did it alone,” she said. 

Junior Layla Canaday said the project allowed students to meld different styles and ideas in a single canvas. “I think the quote ‘Alone we are Strong ... Together we are Stronger’ put into words our unity as a school,” she said. 

Sophomore Alyson Shipley said the project was especially meaningful as it was created during the season of Thanksgiving, “when we put aside our differences,” she said. “All of those who added a face to the painting came together in the theme.” 

Senior Grace Greenup agreed. “It was nice to come together and share our talents,” she said. “Everyone added something unique to the painting.”
 
“It shows how we as a community can do great things, but when we collaborate, we can do even better than just great,” sophomore Blakely Prestridge said.  

“Many people came together to draw a wide variety of faces,” sophomore Aila Fitzgerald said. “This shows unity through art and provides a visual representation of teamwork. This quote contributes to the effort to show teamwork. I think the quote provides a well-worded summary of the piece and the prayer service.”

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director

Photos courtesy of Nicole Lane