Seventh Grade Student Strikes Back at COVID

During the all-remote learning period that preceded December Recess, 7th grade student Chris Cedillo focused his self-directed art project on constructing a piñata shaped like a COVID-19 molecule. As he worked, he shared his hope to ceremonially smash it with his 7th grade peers. Once students returned to campus in January, 7th grade teacher and Art Department Co-Chair Kay Silva set out to make his wish a reality!

 

On a recent Friday, Silva arranged for Cedillo to present his finished piece to his peers. Holding up the finished piece for all to see, he spoke about how tough the pandemic has been on all of them his desire to infuse some fun and levity into their class-based existence, so he made the piñata.

 

Silva then hung the piece from a dowel rod extending from a large rolling staircase on the Heller Auditorium stage and encouraged all students who were interested in taking a swing to put on a pair of gloves to minimize cross-contamination. Then, working from shortest to tallest, interested students took turns giving Cedillo’s COVID molecule solid whacks with wood until it burst open, exposing a bounty of individually wrapped treat packages.

 

In reflecting upon the experience, Cedillo shared, “My hopes and intentions for smashing the piñata were to let my fellow classmates know that if we can work together to stop the spread of this virus by taking all the precautions we have, with perseverance, nothing will stop us, and we will take down this virus in the very near future.” Silva said, “I was absolutely blown away by his creativity and initiative!”

Click here to see photos from this experience.