Montini Catholic students create mosaic mural of founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle

Under the direction of fine arts department chair Donnie Glowinski and art teacher Christiana Blatchley, Montini Catholic students were invited to participate in the creation of a beautiful mosaic of the Lasallian college preparatory high school's founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle.

St. John Baptiste de La Salle was designated the Patron Saint of teachers by the Catholic Church in 1950. The artistic endeavor was an activity created as a part of Montini's celebration of Belongingness Week (March 24-28).

“Belongingness Week is designed to promote a sense of inclusion, connection, and community among students and throughout the school,” said Principal Chris Tiritilli. “The purpose of this week is to enhance and emphasize an environment where each student feels known, accepted, valued and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or differences.

“During this week, we seek to provide several experiences and activities to celebrate the things that make us each unique and special, such as the backgrounds, experiences and traditions that we come from, all while also realizing that we come together and belong as one Montini community and family,” Tiritilli said.

Throughout the week, each department was asked to organize an activity to align with one of the three main goals of the week: “Building Positive Relationships,” “Promoting Inclusion,” “Increasing Self-Esteem” and “Emotional Well-Being.”

The mural was a way for Montini students to come together through a fun and artistic activity.

Each piece of the mosaic symbolized an individual, with its unique shape, color, and position contributing to the overall “masterpiece.”

The final piece was unveiled during Montini's Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of St. John Baptist de La Salle on April 7.