Art department students, senior Emma Lu Valdez and sophomore Rachel Chang created paintings in honor of the fallen victims of Sept. 11. Cypress Ridge was the only high school to participate in this district-wide project, and auctioned off the paintings and sold prints of the originals for $20. All of the proceeds will be donated towards The American Legion Veterans Association post 342, chosen on behalf of the students.

“I thought about all the soldiers and firemen that had to go through all their hardships and I just channeled that into my painting,” Chang said. “I think it’s good to donate because it helps a lot of people who had to go through all the problems faced during and after 9/11.”

The painting by Valdez and Chang raised over $300 in total, including prints. The auction began Sept. 9 was extended through Sept. 22 to allow more bidders to bid in which was opened to parents, school faculty and all of the district.

The painting, “Tears of Red, White, and Blue” by Valdez was auctioned off to Rebekah  Valdez, the painter’s mother and Chang’s painting “Remembering 9/11” was auctioned off to Michelle Smith.

“It’s one of those lifetime opportunities where you can use your abilities and actually help,” Valdez said. “In doing so you give back in a way for the people that have done so much for us in ensuring and fighting for our safety, but most importantly our lives everyday.”

Gallery • 2 Photos

Photo by: Shawna Billet

The painting by Rachel Chang called, “Remembering 9/11” was one of the paintings auctioned off.

Art teacher Shawna Billet has taught for over 12 years with four of those years at this school. Billet is deeply touched at the hard work put forth by her students in working for a bigger cause which has influenced the art department and the community alike.

“The result was really great,” Billet said. “We were originally supposed to do this for a contest for our district and the contest fell through and so we were able to do something here at our school with our parents and the staff and you know just try to raise awareness of how our students can help the community through their art work.”

Parents were given the opportunity to bid on the paintings during Open House on Sept. 12. The paintings were displayed in the teacher’s lounge during the day to give the school staff a chance to bid or order prints.