This past month Haddonfield Memorial High School’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society had the pleasure of volunteering on Martin Luther King Day at the United Methodist Communities home in Collingswood. Students brought joy to the residents by joining them in a fun winter-themed craft. The students guided the residents through a painting activity and listened as they shared stories about their lives and favorite memories. The painting activity consisted of copies of a reference photo being given to each resident along with a pencil to outline the image, then they used paint to add color to the drawing.  Thanks to the dedication of Mrs. Westerside, the turn out was quite impressive with over fifty members of the National Art Honor Society participating in this amazing service opportunity, demonstrating the students’ dedication to giving back to the community.  The involvement of these students shows their dedication to the arts and their humble desire to brighten the days of others.

The National Art Honor Society is hoping that this is the first of many visits with the United Methodist home, and other people in need around the community. Giving back to those who are oftentimes overlooked by the younger generation helps to teach our students the importance of service. It also demonstrates how sharing what you love with others brings passion to projects. All of the students who share the joy of being a part of the National Art Honor Society have a deep enjoyment of learning about and participating in the arts. They participate in many other service projects around our school and community from hanging up and taking down students’ artwork, keeping our school walls fresh and exciting, to helping children at the Markeim learn a love for art. Our societal members have a strong determination to ensure that everyone in our surrounding community, of all ages, feels welcome through the power of art.

All in all, the National Art Honor Society hopes they were able to bring many smiles to residents’ faces in the United Methodist Communities home. Service is something that can sometimes seem small and unnoticed, but our society can guarantee that this project, and every project that we partake in, truly helps everyone we have come across. In these next coming months, especially as the weather gets warmer, the National Art Honor Society urges everyone to give back to this wonderful community and do it with passion, hopefully the passion of art.