On July 9 Mrs. Lisa Billington, OSMS middle school teacher, and three of her students, Emily Abel, Anne Vaccarro, and Rachel Markle volunteered to create some murals up at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse. The hospital had asked if the artists would be able to improve the appearance of the hallway and rooms of the pediatric psychiatric area of the hospital. (CPEP) Students eagerly accepted to spend the entire day at the hospital where they had to bring permission slips, health records and their artistic talents. Cindy Young, a nurse at the hospital, had asked Mrs. Billington if she knew of any students who would be willing to give up a day in their summer vacation to help the environment of some very troubled young people." I was impressed that every one of the first three students I called said yes." It is such a busy time with travel and all the activities the kids are involved in that I was so impressed at their positive attitudes and eagerness to work. We wanted to give the patients something peaceful to look at during their stay and recovery. This particular area of the hospital can be difficult and quite sad, but students came away with an appreciation for not only their health, but also for the support that they have in their lives.
; "1952/p743747424_13982.jpg")
