The World Languages hallway was transformed into a colorful celebration of life today for this year's Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead celebration at the Senior High. With colorful paper murals that resembled flat piñatas, ceramic or sugar-created skullheads, decorated skeletons, bright paper banners, decorated gravestones, butterflies hanging from the ceiling and so much more, students transformed the wing into a cheerful place to honor, remember and celebrate those who have passed. Traditionally held in the entrance to the senior high's auditorium, this year's project was brought out into the school's hallways to allow more students to see the work of their peers; learn the significance of the holiday in other cultures; and allow more students to participate, including those taking Spanish, French, Art and Mrs. Losito's CrossRoads Transition program.

The project was spearheaded by Señorita González, one of the high school's Spanish teachers, who went into greater detail about each project and how students from each class participated:

"In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, students in Mrs. DeFusco’s class created Justin Favela inspired murals. Justin Favela is a Guatemalan-Mexican-American artist who creates elaborate piñata-inspired installations. Students in Ms. Gonzalez’s class decorated the ceiling tiles and created skeleton people called calacas. They also created a large Exeter altar where students have left pictures of family, friends, and pets. Students in Mrs. Speece’s classes created alebrijes (spirit animals), papel picado (paper banners), calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), and nichos (hand made frames to display day of the dead pictures). Mrs. Losito’s CrossRoads Transition classes helped make and design the calaveras de azúcar.

Ms. Buchholtz’s Fundamentals of Art classes created printed calaveras and created butterflies. Showcasing student work is something we are proud of here at Exeter Township Senior High and students have enjoyed showing me their creations. The butterflies are such a nice touch because the migration of the monarch butterflies coincides with the Day of the Dead. Many believe that they are the souls returning for their annual visit.

Mrs. Pinkerton’s classes created items to be used on the altars. The Fine Arts 1 created Papel Picado Paintings. The Ceramics 1 class created flower/candle holders. A candle is one of the most important items on an ofrenda (altar of offering) because the element of fire attracts or entices the spirit to the altar. The Ceramics 2 class created illuminated skulls. Skull art is a reminder of life’s brevity and the unfortunate inevitability of death.

Excitingly, the French classes joined the festivities to share how le jour des morts (Day of the Dead) is celebrated in France. Students made grave stones and a catacomb in the World Language wing. The French gather in cemeteries and adorn the graves with chrysanthemums the same Day of the Dead flowers used in Spanish-speaking countries.

All of our classes have enjoyed creating the traditional crafts used in celebrating the Day of the Dead and we are looking forward to sharing this special holiday with all of the staff and students at the high school."