(Every Friday, Art Teacher And Friend Sue Silverstein reports on her extraordinary artwork with Bishop Gibbons High School students in Schenectady, New York. Sue is a life changer for her students; her creative and personal work with them is inspiring and profound. She has changed countless lives. I’ve been honored to know these children she’s taught and watch them flower under her loving care. The Army of Good came to glory here. Thanks for supporting her passionate belief that every student deserves their best life, and she does everything within her power to help them have it. Thanks for supporting her ideas about teaching art. A teacher’s perspective is unlike any other, and I am fortunate to have it on my blog. The graduation news says it all. She is an angel. – Jon)
Notes from the Art Room.
The last few weeks of school are always crazy. There are full schedules of exams and events. Like Santa’s Workshop in December, the art room has been bustling, with everyone finishing final projects. A huge shout out to George and Jan! So many beautiful things have also come from Palmyra, Pa.! Marsha stopped by yesterday bearing many gifts.
Clear storage bins for fabrics and some fantastic, pleated window shades we will design in the fall. Kathleen has made a tremendous donation, which will once again sponsor students in need. She is an angel who believes, as I do, that every child deserves their best life.
Thank you, Kathleen. Your love has been responsible for changing the lives of many. This week has been full of proud moments. Watching students receive awards at graduation, knowing how hard they have worked, makes my heart burst wide open.
There are beautiful graduation traditions here at ND-BG. The evening before, faculty volunteers speak about each graduate at the Baccalaureate Celebration. Every graduate is loved and cared for.
The teachers put heart and soul into each student’s reading composition. I found myself writing a goodbye to Hser Nay and admitting that I did not go through without tears. Below is what I said… I give thanks to Hser Nay Taw. I remember getting a message five years ago about a young girl who had been through a rough time and needed a new school. Attacked for standing up for what is right, you’d been knocked down but refused to stay down.
That was the beginning of my beautiful journey with you, Hser Nay. I can honestly say that your determination, passion for life, love of God, friends, and family, and willingness to try have brought you to this point. Look at you! You’re a graduate, ready to take on the new challenges next year at UAlbany!
As you study to become a lawyer, know I am so proud of you, Hser Nay. I will miss your smile and your hugs. I will miss breakfast every morning, but you have so much to teach the world. You help people think differently, and you will have a significant impact on all those you meet!
You make people better by being around you. Yesterday was my birthday, and I heard from so many former students. They have become part of my heart forever. I love following their stories and staying connected. It is like I have thousands of grandchildren. Terrell came with me from BMHS and was awarded a 100,000 scholarship to Clarkson University. He has a challenging road.
He works so ridiculously hard and has a beautiful demeanor. I am so incredibly proud of him. There were tears at the award ceremony all around. Members of the Army of Good have sponsored these students. Look where they are now! Thank you! Some final projects from the art room this year were terrific. After weeks of work, Paige finished her wonderland sculpture.
We have plans for her to compose and illustrate a children’s book based on it next year. Kyle, Thomas, and Anthony completed their tribute to a beloved artist who passed away earlier this year, and Lizzie finished her quilt. We are in the final weeks of another year. I thank Jon, Maria, and each of you for your love, generosity, and support.
Over the summer, we will be planning some exciting new projects and working to get the students’ work displayed in the community.
I always look for wood, wood scraps, hot glue sticks and glue guns, window shades and shutters, China cups and glassware, paint, canvas, jewelry, and anything else you think would make something beautiful. I appreciate the notes and emails—they make me smile daily!
Have a blessed week.
Sue
Sue_Silverstein
ND-BG
2600 Albany Street
Schenectady, New York 12345
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Thanks, Sue Silverstein, for being alive. You speak eloquently about the meaning of America and true faith.