Leave nothing but footprints, student mural at the jersey shore reminds beachgoers
Photo by TR Schools.

Leave nothing but footprints, student mural at the Jersey Shore reminds beachgoers

by
May 28, 2023
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TOMS RIVER, NJ – The partnership between the school district and the Township of Toms River in Ortley Beach is blossoming as the summer approaches, with students taking the lead in enhancing the coastal community.

Last year, the Township approached students from High School South’s Project SPEAR-IT CTE program with a proposal to construct lifeguard stands. Responding to the call, the students utilized funding from the Township to build nine sturdy lifeguard stands, which have been standing proudly along the Ortley Beach coast since last summer.

This year, the focus turned to a highly visible storage container that had become an eyesore for the community. Stepping up to the challenge, High School East students and staff joined forces with the Department of Public Works to transform the container, located on Third Avenue, into a captivating work of art.

Katie Koenigstein, an art teacher at HSE, is leading the endeavor to create a “Keep the Beach Clean” theme for a mural on the storage container. Collaborating with fellow HSE educators Bill Dishon, Erin Calicchio, Kristen DeVuyst, and Jennifer Fazzini, Koenigstein enlisted the talents of 20 HSE students who are using their artistic skills and community spirit to make a positive impact.

The once unsightly storage container has now become an artistic masterpiece, adorned with a beautiful mural depicting a pristine beach, accompanied by the tagline, “Leave Nothing but Footprints…Keep Ortley Beach Clean.” Not only does this project foster community partnerships, but it also aligns with the district’s commitment to sustainability.

Assistant Superintendent Patrick Thomas, who visited the site this week to monitor the students’ progress, expressed his satisfaction with their work. “Seeing our students utilize their creativity, talents, and imagination to contribute to the community is truly gratifying,” said Thomas. “They have transformed an eyesore into a beach landmark, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

“The storage container mural project exemplifies the district’s dedication to empowering students to make a difference in their community. Through their artistic abilities and passion for their surroundings, these students have created a lasting legacy that enhances the beauty and spirit of Ortley Beach.

“These kids did a great job and the mural looks fantastic,” said Councilman Daniel Rodrick. “They took an ugly container in the lot and made it a work of art with a meaningful message to people who visit our beaches this year, thank you for the job well done.”

Phil Stilton
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Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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