Origami cranes, butterflies hang in tribute to Larson, Simmons
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Courtesy of Giselle Miller.
Art teacher Giselle Miller hangs cranes from driftwood that she collected from Lutak and Chilkat River beaches in the kindergarten room.
A flurry of about 1,500 colorful origami cranes and butterflies flutter across the Haines School in tribute to Jenae Larson, the school's former kindergarten teacher, and David Simmons, who were killed last month in the Beach Road landslide.
The project was organized by art teacher Giselle Miller, who led an origami unit for all grade levels at the start of the winter semester.
"My original vision was for the kindergarten room ceiling to be filled with cranes, but it's slowly moved out of just the kindergarten room and taken over the school," Miller said. "The more origami I put up, the more I wanted to spread it throughout all the common spaces. My goal was to 'paint' the school with color and light as we begin this second semester and new year."
As the idea gained momentum, people from across Haines, Alaska and even as far as California contributed to the effort. Jenae Larson's mother Kim Larson said friends and family created more than 100 pieces.
"My friends in Anchorage made some. My friends in California made some. I think it's awesome," Kim Larson said. "We were watching TV and folding like crazy. It's very heartwarming. It's a beautiful tribute."
The kindergarten room has 350 cranes hung from the ceiling to honor Jenae, Miller said. The goal is to reach 2,000 pieces, 1,000 for Jenae Larson and another 1,000 for Simmons.
Courtesy of Giselle Miller.
Middle school students decorate the halls of the school with origami butterflies.
"Folding cranes holds great significance in Japanese tradition- representing longevity, healing, and protection. According to Japanese legend, by folding 1,000 paper cranes you will be granted one special wish," Miller said. "My wish for Haines is a collective feeling of safety and support, and that we keep the memories of David and Jenae as strong lights as we move forward."
Haines School senior and school board member Lydia Andriesen said the project for her stands as a symbol for the school's, town's and region's support for the community.
"When I see the pieces strung up around the school, I am reminded of everyone who took the time and care to create something beautiful," Andriesen said. "To me, they are a sign of hope and healing."
