ABOVE PHOTO: The finished product: “Kindness is King” on the wall of the school cafeteria.
AmeriHealth Caritas helps West Philadelphia student’s vision come to life
Overbrook Educational Center, a K-8 public school with the largest population of visually impaired and blind students in the School District of Philadelphia, hosted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 15, 2018.
Activities included letter writing to thank veterans of the U.S. military, buddy reading to students, a library beautification project, assembling toiletry and snack bags for St. Barnabas Mission, and painting of a student-designed mural.
The mural, sponsored by AmeriHealth Caritas, is the culmination of a design contest among students who submitted sketches inspired by Dr. King and the values of Overbrook Educational Center.
AmeriHealth Caritas Chairman and CEO Paul A. Tufano (center) with Devontrius Chapman and Care Crewa.
The winning design, by Devontrius Chapman, a fifth grader from West Philadelphia, depicts a mosaic of shapes and colors surrounding the central message which reads, “Kindness is King.” Devontrius was born with a visual impairment, and has been a student at Overbrook Educational Center since first grade.
“In honor of Dr. King, and in the spirit of our mission of serving those most in need, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is an opportunity for us to strengthen the communities in which we serve,” said AmeriHealth Caritas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Paul A. Tufano. “We hope Devontrius’ mural will serve as a lasting tribute to the inspiring and courageous work of Dr. King to create a more just society.”
Devontrius Chapman paints his mural.
“The goal of our 4th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is to empower and give voice to our community through service,” said Meredith Foote, principal of Overbrook Educational Center. “We are fortunate to celebrate the life of Dr. King today in a way that reflects his legacy through our students, families and community partners in unity.”
The partnership between AmeriHealth Caritas and Overbrook Educational Center was a result of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey’s 365 Days of Caring program, which matches local companies with impact partners, or creates tailor-made volunteer experiences based on company or employee needs.
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