Art Heroes NFMHS

public while selling artwork for charity, or simply the forming new social bonds with each other over the duration of the project. Seeing my students become a dynamic, functioning team over the past five months has been a thing of beauty and a work of art itself. During the relay events, I witnessed students who were shy and felt out of place among the student body come out of their shells, express themselves artistically and take action for something they believe in, all while making new friends. Art Heroes gave a diverse group of high school students a place where they felt like they belonged and a part of something bigger than themselves. Using the penetrating flow of information that social media sites offer, I have observed my students gain considerable support from the local community. I believe that my students’ design skills and artistic talents have given them an edge in their creation and implementation of their media campaign in ways that attracted many sponsors. Through the success of the ‘Relay for Life’ event, not only did my students’ efforts go to a good cause, but they also experienced “connected learning,” that is learning that connects to real-world issues and civic actions for the greater public good.

-Ms.