"Education and Hope for Life" The Names Project AIDS Quilt Display

For three days in February, St. Margaret's students, faculty, administration and staff turned their focus on a world health issue: HIV and AIDS. St. Margaret's School was selected by the NAMES Project Foundation's National High School Quilt Program to display a portion of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, February 5-7, in the school's Ball Memorial Gymnasium. A school club, Students Educating About AIDS (SEAA), submitted an application in early November to the NAMES Project Foundation's National High School Quilt Program, requesting St. Margaret's to be a display site. The display included 32 panels measuring 6 feet by 3 feet each (the size of a human grave), which were hung in four 12 feet by 12 feet sections in the gym. The panels remember individuals of all ages who have died from AIDS. The display began with an Opening Ceremony for the school community on Thursday, February 5, which included the unfolding of the quilt, guest speaker Robert Pine, Education Director of the National High School Quilt Program, a reading of names and a performance by St. Margaret's Ensemble. The display was open for public viewing Saturday, February 7. Teachers were encouraged to bring their classes to the display on Friday to take part in the many educational activities relating to the quilt. Ranging from math problems to English assignments, the students had an opportunity to study the panels in many different ways. A blank panel of quilt was provided as a "Signature Panel." Students and other viewers were encouraged to write their thoughts, feelings and reactions to the display on this blank canvas. The "Signature Panel" will remain at St. Margaret's.

Opening ceremonies guest speaker Robert Pine, Education Director of the National High School Quilt Program and faculty sponsor, Alexa Clark, with SEAA members, Lauren Welle, Lauren Mason, Becca Brown, Alison Wasserman, Jen Fauteux and Ashley Davidson.		The sections of the quilt during the opening ceremonies before they were hung for viewing.

Below is an excerpt of the letter Becca Brown '98, President of SEAA, published in the February issue of the student publication The Channel.

	One of the many messages written on the Signature Panel....

As I walked up to the podium and started to speak, a wave of calmness flushed my body. Looking out at my teachers, classmates and friends, I realized all of the hard work done by SEAA over the past few months had finally paid off. St. Margaret's had become a part of the incredible work of art and instrument of hope. Having the Quilt at St. Margaret's has been one of the most amazing experiences of my high school years, and seeing the entire community brought together by these pieces of fabric gives me hope for the future of the world and humanity. It was incredible to stand back after the opening ceremony and watch the entire school encompass the Quilt, taking in its messages and stories. I saw people crying and friends comforting them; I saw sadness for those who are gone; I saw joy over the beautiful panels that have been created; I saw an appreciation for life; and most importantly, I saw hope for the future. It was comforting to see the love and compassion that is still present in a world that is often buried among facts and figures. I want to thank you all for the love and support you have shown to both SEAA and the Quilt. This is a special event that will remain in many of our hearts for the rest of our lives. Know that without your help and support, this display could not have happened. I am so proud of the entire St. Margaret's community and I know that you will continue the education and hope that has come from this display. I hope that you feel the same pride for yourselves that I feel for you.   Becca Brown '98 President, SEAA