By John Leonard ’25
Preparing for trimester and semester exams can induce a little stress and anxiety in the students getting ready to take them. This year, to ease that stress, the Friends of Saint Dymphna, moderated by Mr. Adam Giardina ’03 and Ms. Heidi Hafner, hosted a “paint-by-numbers” event in the art room. The event aimed to offer students time to socialize while engaging in a creative endeavor. The club provided the eager artists with kits containing everything they would need to paint a replica of Vincent van Gogh’s famous The Starry Night. The event strove to help students cast aside the need to achieve perfection, which is sometimes felt in the intense academic environment. Mr. Giardina reinforced the message of taking a break from that stress when he addressed students, saying, “Just paint how you feel.”
Mr. Accordino helped Mr. Giardina and Ms. Hafner run the event, offering students advice on how best to approach the canvas.
Towards the end of the event, there was a free raffle for everyone who had attended. One lucky student, Kingsley Yew ’27, went home with a Bob Ross Paint-by-Number gift set.
Students from all four divisions attended, and the feedback was positive. Sophomore Connor Charron stated, “It was a great time where students from all grades were able to destress and have fun. I got to meet new people and I felt a lot more relaxed afterwards.” A few students inquired about when there would be another event like it. While there will be another painting experience, the Friends of St. Dymphna is already planning to host a guest speaker on mental well being and is organizing an afternoon of board games and pizza.
chstarmac.com 