We are thrilled that a mural sharing the message Spread Love, Not Hate, created by all LFJ students, has been chosen for inclusion in the NYS Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Art & Essay Contest. The words Spread Love, Not Hate sits in a heart at the center of the mural and is surrounded by smaller hearts decorated by students. Students worked on the project during their art classes under the supervision of art teacher Dawn Weiss.
Among the stated purposes of this contest is to appreciate and respect the contributions and rights of others, which aligns beautifully with the Distirct’s IB and SEL frameworks. Ms. Weiss says that the idea for the mural came from the teachings of MLK Jr. about respecting and loving all people and that she combined it with the Distrct’s No Place for Hate initiative.
“The commonality is Spread Love, Not Hate, and how students can be kind to all people,” said Ms. Weiss. “Then the hearts all radiated from the center to show how love can spread when your heart is in the right place and how one kind action can connect to the next.”
"I know I speak for all of us here at LFJ when I say that we are incredibly proud that our students were chosen by New York State to be included in this beautiful exhibition, " said Principal Patricia Simone. "The message of spreading love and kindness is one that cannot be overstated, and we know that being part of that culture that embodies this message benefits not just our students, but our faculty and staff."
The mural is now displayed in the cafeteria at LFJ as a daily reminder for everyone to spread love and kindness.