Wantagh Students Raise Breast Cancer Awareness, Funding

WANTAGH-SEAFORD, NY - From Wantagh Union Free School District via Syntax: In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wantagh Middle School students have utilized their aptitude for art and sale of goodies to not only raise consciousness of the disease but to make a dent in the funding for medical research.

In Jaclyn Gentilesco’s art room, students created self-portraits in the style of Peter Max, which included the study of their individual faces, proportion and shading. The portrait backgrounds showcased symbolism supporting breast cancer awareness, as well as other causes close to students’ hearts. In addition, art teacher Athanasia Karaiskos’ students created zentangle ribbons to accompany these projects. In Krista Hagan’s class, the students painted, drew or collaged images supporting the fight against breast cancer. All of the artwork was posted on the Artsonia Kids Art Museum website so that parents can purchase gifts decorated with their students’ designs. Twenty percent of the proceeds are returned to the teachers, which will be donated to breast cancer research.

Under the direction of advisers Elyse Brill and Keldya Volpi, student council members also sold confections, pencils and bracelets twice a week after school through the month of October. The proceeds from the sale will be donated to the American Cancer Association.

Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District