From left, Greater Lawrence Technical School Principal Susan Zielinski, District School Committee members Vivian Marmol, Frank Surillo, Anngybel Moreta and Zoila Disla, Superintendent John Lavoie, Metal Fabrication students Carlos Burgos and Brady Valliere, Lawrence Mayor Kendrys Vasquez, Metal Fabrication student Orlendi Hernandez, State Representative Frank Moran, and State Representative Marcos Devers. (Photo Courtesy City of Lawrence)
ANDOVER – Superintendent John Lavoie is pleased to share that a COVID-19 vaccination-themed sculpture created by Greater Lawrence Technical School students was unveiled in the City of Lawrence.
On Tuesday, Aug. 3, City officials, School officials, and students participated in a ceremony to unveil the sculpture, created to remind the community of its fight against the COVID-19 virus and about the critical role vaccination plays in winning that fight.
“This is truly a sign that our students, our teachers, and our School Committee value the people of the City of Lawrence,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “This really was a labor of love.”
Metal Fabrication Instructor Stephanie DiCecca sketched the design. About 10 juniors in the Metal Fabrication program worked alongside instructors
Mayor Kendrys Vasquez said he toured the school not long after taking office. He said he was impressed by the quality of the programs at Greater Lawrence Technical School, and amazed by the conceptual designs for the sculpture.
The sculpture is metal, in a heart shape with Plexiglas slats. The slats represent the percentage of the Lawrence community fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and new slats will be added as vaccination rates increase. Five slats have been inserted, marking that 56 percent of the Lawrence community has received at least one vaccine shot.
“How tremendous would it be to see that heart filled to the top?” Mayor Vasquez asked, then urging those who are not vaccinated to do so.
The sculpture will be placed at the Pemberton Way entrance to City Hall, the door closest to the room where the City offers vaccinations. City leaders hope those who become vaccinated will have their photo taken next to the sculpture to mark the occasion.
State Representative Frank Moran especially thanked the students and school, explaining that the COVID pandemic has touched him personally. Last fall the City dedicated the Empty Chair Memorial in Campagnone Common Park across from City Hall. Hundreds of empty chairs denote the hundreds of Lawrencians who have died from COVID-19. Moran said one of those chairs represents the passing of his brother, who died at age 53 from COVID.
Mayor Vasquez, Representative Moran, and State Representative Marcos Devers presented students Carlos Burgos, Orlendi Hernandez, and Brady Valliere,who attended the event, with proclamations to thank them for their work.
“Not many people can say they did something at my age for a big cause like this,” Valliere said. “I hope this stands for something, and that people get vaccinated.”
“Small town kids can do big things,” Hernandez added.
For the latest updates about Greater Lawrence Tech, visit the school’s website here. To learn more about adult education at Greater Lawrence Tech, click here.