Students of Massapequa High School give back to the community once again, but this time through inspirational art.

The StoryBox is an interactive “toy” structure which will be displayed in the pediatric floor and is intended for children of the floor to play with. Students were asked to design their own “toys”, one for each side of the box. The designs were presented to the Winthrop staff members who then chose the four interactive sides that are incorporated in the structure; Cupcake Story, Underwater Adventure, Fishing Walrus and Springtime Adventure.

The box is topped with what may be the most inspirational aspect of the overall design, a large book shaped bin. The bin will hold two specific books, one storybook and one blank book. The storybook was written by Mr. Hempel’s English students and was illustrated by the National Art Society, led by Mrs. Domingo and Mrs. Mims. The titles of these stories, as well as other heart-warming and encouraging words are incorporated in purple swirls underneath the book, above the interactive toys.

The blank book is to be filled with inspirational stories and journeys by patients and their visitors. The patients will be able to easily illustrate the book and document their stories with the supplies in the hidden door at the top of the box.

The children of the Pediatric center of Winthrop will love being able to write and read about inspiring stories of other children going through similar struggles. They’ll be able to look toward the smiling walrus and fish as they play these sea-themed games and help those little guys achieve their goals—catching fish and eating worms.

From toddlers to teenagers, hearts melted and inspiration was instilled while watching Disney’s Finding Nemo for the first time. The movie told of a young clownfish that had to be brave as he ventured out into the big blue on his own, and again as he struggled to escape the dentist’s fish tank and the horrid Darla. Meanwhile, Nemo’s father had to face his fears, go up against the odds and fight for his life as well as that of his son.

As usual, Disney did a fantastic job in teaching children the benefits of keeping a bright perspective, being brave and believing in yourself even when chances seem slim. In our above-land world, many children have to learn these lessons each day. Unfortunately, diseases and cancers are common amongst young children–kids that are too afraid for their lives to be able to enjoy their childhoods. Messages like the one from Finding Nemo help to boost children’s morale and encourage hope and inspiration as they struggle through their illnesses.

Sadie Freifeld, a five-year-old girl who has been treated for a type of blood cancer at Winthrop University Hospital was an inspiration to Mrs. Schneider and her Studio in Sculpture students at Massapequa High School as she bravely accepted her diagnosis and continued with treatment until moving into a state of remission.

“She is an inspiration to children; suffering from life threatening illnesses, she is strong, brave and has such a fantastic smile, attitude and personality,” exclaimed Mrs. Schneider. Sadie was the inspiration for what became the five-month-long project known as “the StoryBox.” “Personally, I believe that happiness and joy boost your immune system which in turn will aid in the recovery process. This is what I hope to achieve through this project.”

Thanks to Mrs. Schneider, the National Art Honor Society, Mr. Hempel’s English class, and the Studio in Sculpture class, children will be inspired and entertained each day as they are encouraged to be brave and “just keep swimming”.