On June 9, Bayville Primary School revealed a new mural at the entrance of the building depicting the beauty of Bayville’s beaches and waters and honoring a former student’s life.
Over the past few weeks, every student in the school had an opportunity to contribute to the mural, which was inspired by the original school mural created in 2006 as a memorial to former student Matthew Fetzer. Fetzer passed away in April of 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer, but his memory remains a strong in the community. The Matthew Fetzer Foundation, run by his family, works with the community to bring clothing, financial support and toys to children fighting cancer.
Matthew’s parents, Ann and William, were present at the mural opening ceremony and thanked the school community for constructing the new mural and for its support through donations every year.
“I want to thank you again for getting Matthew’s memorial back up,” Ann Fetzer told students and staff at the unveiling of the mural. “It means the world to us.”
Before the wrapping paper came off the new mural, students, staff and guests were welcomed with a thoughtful performance by Bayville Intermediate School students and music teacher Mr. O’Flanagan.
Students in Ms. McDermott and Mrs. Morales' class also wrote a poem called “Bayville” to mark the occasion and speak about their love for the Bayville community.
“Maybe when you walk into school every day and see this scene, it will help you look inside and remember those moments, those memories that make Bayville and Bayville friends so special,” principal Ross Cohen told his students.