Two rising Ward Melville High School seniors – Harrison Rosenzweig and Andrew Vicari – have created a COVID Peace Garden at the school to provide the community with a place to quietly reflect in a serene and restorative setting. The garden, which is located outside the building’s greenhouse, was officially dedicated during a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 23.

The pair noted how they wanted to create a peaceful space where people could reflect on what they have worked through, what they have lost and all of the good that has survived and thrived through the pandemic.

“At the height of the COVID pandemic, we were overwhelmed hearing daily about the staggering loss of life,” Harrison said. “On a smaller scale, we watched everyone around us, young and old, suffer with the inability to connect in person with friends and family, to learn and work collaboratively, to experience so many of the little things that make life feel normal and joyful.”

“We also wanted to honor and celebrate the essential workers who helped us get through some of the most challenging days in modern history,” Andrew added.

“This experience taught us that no matter how bad things get, no matter how much unknown we have to face … the sun really will come up again tomorrow,” Harrison said.

With the support of the school administration, the students created bracelets which they sold online and during lunch periods to raise money for the supplies to clear the area, replenish the soil and order a plaque. Most of the beautiful plants were generously donated by Olde Towne Gardens nursery.