Before breaking for summer recess, Ardsley High School students took part in an art project with the goal of offering support and healing to women newly diagnosed with cancer.

The students designed scarves and presented them to the In the Pink Foundation in honor of the school’s social worker Monique Johnson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

Here is a note from Stephanie Rosen, an art teacher who helped organize the project.

Friend, colleague, and Ardsley High School’s social worker Monique Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. This event prompted the school’s Art Teacher, Stephanie Rosen to write a grant that would support a community service project that designed scarves for women undergoing chemotherapy. The project titled, Wrapped with Love, gives the students the opportunity to become a part of the support and healing process needed by woman newly diagnosed with cancer. The project began with a presentation to the student’s by both survivor Monique Johnson and Lee Toterhi, who is presently undergoing treatment. These women helped the students understand the feelings regarding their initial diagnosis, their treatment, hair loss, and the importance of social support. With a clearer understanding of the impact cancer has on these women, the students were able to connect with imagery, colors, and designs that they could incorporate into a future scarf. The school’s digital design class used Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create their patterns. After toying with many designs, the students chose their favorites and had their designs printed on silk. The completed scarves will be donated to In the Pink Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing social programming and emotional support to young women with breast cancer. This organization is co-founded by Monique Johnson and Grace Ann Acocella – Pensiero. Stephanie Rosen, Monique Johnson, project participants, administration, and faculty came together on Monday, June 23, to celebrate the accomplishments of these students and give them the opportunity to present their scarves to In the Pink Foundation. Stephanie Rosen hopes to find funding for this project in the future as the project not only connects the students to community but increases awareness and support for an important cause.