By Elvira Chi
Staff Writer | The Pacific Times
Katrina Jesusa Nazareno’s Senior Project is about giving students a place to artistically express their experiences and views of what social justice means to them.
As part of her action plan, Nazareno is hosting four tutorials in Conor Simpson’s room (B3) throughout February. The first tutorial was held on Feb. 4.
Nazareno gave a presentation introducing her senior project. She explored how students can use art as a way of self-expression, and each student created a “Say it Loud!” Megaphone. On the outside of the megaphone, the students were instructed to write about concerns, issues, or any injustices they wanted to elevate. On the inside of the megaphone, the students wrote their reasons why it’s important to be aware of the injustices of the world.
After the first tutorial, participants were given a survey that asked why it is important to elevate student voices.
“It’s important to make sure we are heard throughout the world so that we can share new perspectives and ideas,” Hadiyyah Ahmed said.
When asked why hearing other perspectives is important, Preesha Hassan answered, “It can help you to expand your knowledge and point of view on certain things.”
“You can try and understand/look at situations from different angles and recognize different values and beliefs that you don’t have,” she added. “People can be more empathetic towards others’ experiences and perspectives”.
Future tutorials are scheduled for Feb. 11, Feb. 18, and Feb. 25. The upcoming tutorial on Feb. 11 is open for all grades, and students will be making Japanese Kintsugi.
The activities proposed for future tutorials include making worry stones, origami, cards, rock painting, or a workspace for the art competition.
Nazareno is encouraging seniors to participate in the optional art competition for Operation Protect and Defend.
The senior class is participating in the Operation Protect and Defend which includes an essay and an art competition.
To be eligible to join the essay and art contest, seniors need to participate in Dialogue on America on Feb. 10 when local judges and lawyers visit an NP3 High School American Government and Economics class to discuss a controversial constitutional question.
“I encourage my fellow seniors to participate in the Operation Protect and Defend Art Competition because as students we can express our concerns and experiences of injustices through art,” said Nazareno.
If you are a senior and currently not in a law or social studies class and want to participate in the competition. Please contact the teachers, Jonathan Peacock and Wesley Smith to join the Dialogue before Feb. 10.
There will be an in-person gallery held in the last week of March for the student artists. At the gallery, judges will have the opportunity to talk with the artists.
The winners will be notified in early April; there will be cash prizes ranging from $1,000-$100. Winners will also be invited to attend the program’s Law Day Dinner.
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