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Montchusett Regional Vocational Technical High School won Bronze in Educational Space Facilitation at a competition hosted by Saint-Gobain North America.
Monty Tech will use their $10,000 grant to renovate their yoga, meditation and art studio.
Bethany Johnson, a teacher who directs the yoga and meditative arts program and co-chaired the Monty Tech competition, said, “The space improvements … help make it a more functional and quiet space.”
In class, Johnson combines yoga, meditation and creative arts to support mental and physical health and character development. This involves combining vinyasa yoga with creative arts activities. The arts component provides students with opportunities for self-expression, self-discovery, and life-centered inquiry through drawing, collage, painting, mixed media, creative writing, and journaling. Students participate in various meditation practices. It is one of the most popular choices offered by Monty Tech.
Supervisor-director Tom Brown said, “The duration of the episode is short – only 39 minutes.” But in that episode,[Johnson]constantly brings up the importance of (self-care) and wellness. In our rigorous classes, both academically and professionally,[Johnson]gives students a short break to focus on themselves.
The school’s project name for the competition was “Creative and Sustainable”.
According to a press release, the national competition, called “Creating the Sustainable Communities of the Future,” awards “place changers” who transform educational spaces into healthy and active learning environments.
Monti Tech was one of 70 schools that responded to Saint-Gobain’s open call for applicants.
Eligible applications, such as Monty Tech, are allowed to include not only renovations, but also materials and supplies – such as yoga mats, art supplies, building materials, etc. for a yoga and meditative art studio.
Monti Tech was selected as one of 30 schools to advance to the finals by a panel of judges in Saint-Gobain, then the Saint-Gobain community voted for the winners on the competition website and social media.
Massachusetts, one of only three schools in the state, was named the bronze medalist in the competition.
“We are fortunate to have (Johnson) on staff, and we are grateful for the efforts of our community to help secure this wonderful gift that will help support this wonderful program as we move forward. Of course, we appreciate St. Gobain’s efforts to support great teachers and their valuable programs, Brown said.
They were presented with their prize money and trophies by Monty Tech. Students, school administrators and staff attended the event to receive the award from members of the Saint-Gobain leadership team and staff.
The $10,000 award is to purchase classroom space and equipment storage improvements. The renovations include a new whiteboard, surround sound stereo equipment, gallery lighting, art display installation, remote blinds, storage cabinets, reversible tables and other items.
The “Sustaining Futures Raising Communities” program is focused on “enhancing places in the communities where Saint-Gobain employees live, work and raise their families” using Saint-Gobain building and construction materials and additional donations.
In addition to the purchases made with the prize money, Monty Tech also received a gift of acoustic ceiling tiles, acoustic wall panels, magnetic paint and a writing wall.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with local educators to create better learning environments for our (2022 competition)… Monty Tech is honored to win the bronze award and support the renewal of yoga. And the Meditative Art Room with this gift,” said Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America and some Ted.
The yoga and meditation arts program began about 8 to 9 years ago with a grant from The Shine Initiative, Johnson said, and has been very helpful to students, staff (such as professional development classes) and even community members through Glow, a variety of school stakeholders. Yoga” evening session in which bodies are involved.
“I look forward to many more years of growing this program and helping students grow through this unique practice,” Johnson said.
Two other Worcester County schools also received awards.
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