Hazelton Area art students showcase cancer awareness artwork during American Cancer Telethon

Hazleton Area School District students showcased their artistic talents at the recent American Cancer Telethon, held on November 23rd at the PA Theater of Performing Arts. Artwork created by students from various schools, including West Hazleton Elementary Middle School, Hazleton Elementary Middle School, Heights Terrace Elementary Middle School, and Maple Manor Elementary Middle School, was displayed during the event. This artwork will now be featured in local cancer treatment centers, highlighting the students' contributions to community support.

In addition to their participation in the telethon, students also engaged in a meaningful project for veterans. Under the guidance of art teachers Cindy McAfee and Jamie Beidleman, students crafted 175 patriotic keychains using paracord and beads for the annual Veterans Day breakfast. Each keychain was paired with a goodie bag filled with candy, providing a heartfelt thank you to local veterans.

Senior student Eleni Johnson contributed a digital design for the cover of this year's thank you card, which accompanied the gifts. Furthermore, visual arts students, led by Rebecca Ward, painted a large mural depicting three soldiers walking through a field of poppies, which was displayed outside the library. They also created posters for each military branch, allowing veterans to sign their respective posters during the breakfast.

These initiatives not only foster creativity among students but also strengthen community ties and honor those who have served in the military. The Hazleton Area School District continues to emphasize the importance of art in education and its role in community engagement.