Imagine being a small child in the Emergency Department. Anxious, you look up, but instead of seeing plain white ceiling tiles, you see a smiling octopus, a field of bright flowers, a colorful coral reef and the sweetest looking sea turtles and guppies. This is exactly what the children who are treated at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital will see thanks to a heartwarming collaboration between the hospital’s Child Life Department and a group of art students at Hackensack High School.
This week, on the heels of the tiles having been delivered to the hospital on the campus of Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, the students enthusiastically poured into the lobby of the children’s hospital to see their work being displayed, creating a gallery of fun and color. The goal was simple and obvious, whether you were looking at the smiling sea horse or the family of sharks – to provide a positive and calming distraction for children during a stressful time.
The compassionate and creative project was spearheaded by a dedicated team of Hackensack High School art teachers – Betsy Romero, Tonia Andrews and Sonya Kypreos – in response to an invitation from Child Life Specialist Jessica Torres. Child Life Therapist Amanda Agate ensured delivery to the Hackensack University campus in time for the students to visit.
A total of 22 students from 10th through 12th grade participated, representing both a regular art class and an honors art class. Over the course of approximately two school weeks, students were given the task to create artwork centered around a sea-themed concept.
Seniors Briana Darling, 18, and Jaleigha Campbell, 19, said they wanted to use their creativity to provide something comforting during a scary moment, and to give the kids a little peace when they needed it most.
“I wanted to somehow give the kids something fun and familiar so that they could, in a sense, have a feeling of home,” Briana said, pointing to her piece which depicted characters from the show Bubble Guppies.
“I love ponds, and koi fish really speak to me, and I think it is something children like to see, too,” added Jaleigha. “So I hope their reaction is that they love it just as much as I do. I feel it is very light and airy, and a very calming piece.”
