Photo courtesy of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy in Queens will honor local veterans through the voices and artistic talents of students in 7th Grade. This initiative, designed to foster intergenerational connection and historical understanding, will culminate in a public gallery unveiling on November 6th.
Earlier this fall, students from Our Lady of Hope CA hosted veterans from the local community for a day of interviews and creative portrait sessions. Each veteran was paired with a group of four students, as part of a Grade 7 class project involving 44 students in total.
During the event, students will spend approximately an hour interviewing their assigned veteran, delving into personal stories, service experiences, and insights about the history that shaped individuals and communities. Following the interviews, students will take a short break before engaging in a one-hour sketching session to create portraits of the veterans. Photographs capturing these meaningful interactions will be taken and included in a final gallery display.
The students’ interviews and sketches will be transformed into presentations and art, forming the heart of a special gallery at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy. The gallery will be unveiled on Thursday, November 6th, welcoming students, veterans, and their families to celebrate the culmination of this unique educational and commemorative project.
At its core, the project is dedicated to helping students understand first-hand the lived experiences of veterans and the historical events that shaped their lives. Through personal stories and creative expression, students gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and service of those who defended and served the country.
