Teachers and Interact students stand in front of the Grief Awareness tree filled with butterflies containing memories of loved ones. Credit: Felicia Mycyk
By Felicia Mycyk
The Ambridge Junior High School Interact Club observed Children's Grief Awareness Day by releasing balloons and making a tree filled with butterfly cut-outs containing loved ones names.
The Ambridge Junior High School Interact Club observed Children's Grief Awareness Day by releasing balloons and making a tree filled with butterfly cut-outs containing loved ones names.
video : Alan Freed Photography
Children's Grief Awareness Day is observed every year on the third Thursday in November. According to Highmark Caring Place, this time of year is a particularly appropriate time to support grieving children because the holiday season is often an especially difficult time after a death.
Advertisement "We wanted to give back to the community," club member Alex Bupp said.
"We sold balloons at lunch and had to explain what grief awareness was about," added club member Jennifer Jenkins.
After the Interact Club had a school-wide assembly, more students understood.
"The assembly made people happy," Brooke Mauldin said. "They know that everyone is there and understands them."
During the assembly, Genifer Scaletta, school guidance counselor, shared that grief looks different for every person at different times of their life.
"Every school and every community has had children that have experienced loss," Scaletta said. "These children can be helped not to feel so alone. We are doing that by participating in grievance day."
According to Carolyn Crawford, the school had 100 percent participation. More than 150 balloons were sold and released and about 300 butterfly cut-outs were given to students at no cost.
All funds raised will be donated to the Highmark Caring Place in Wexford.
"We sold balloons at lunch and had to explain what grief awareness was about," added club member Jennifer Jenkins.
After the Interact Club had a school-wide assembly, more students understood.
"The assembly made people happy," Brooke Mauldin said. "They know that everyone is there and understands them."
During the assembly, Genifer Scaletta, school guidance counselor, shared that grief looks different for every person at different times of their life.
"Every school and every community has had children that have experienced loss," Scaletta said. "These children can be helped not to feel so alone. We are doing that by participating in grievance day."
According to Carolyn Crawford, the school had 100 percent participation. More than 150 balloons were sold and released and about 300 butterfly cut-outs were given to students at no cost.
All funds raised will be donated to the Highmark Caring Place in Wexford.
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Photos by Felicia Mycyk
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