Lanelle Campbell, a senior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, is full of ideas.
And good ones at that.
Last year, she and a few of her schoolmates created the high school’s first Black Student Union, which has grown to a membership of 30 students.
Sarah Cleary, a Social Studies Teacher at the high school, is the club Advisor of the Black Student Union.
Ms. Cleary, who is also an advisor for the high school’s Student Council, shared the goals of the Black Student Union.
“The Black Student Union strives to be a safe space for our Black students at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. We strive to have discussions and support our community through multiple events/meetings. Covering Black history, representation, struggles and setbacks along with other aspects that make our community so unique. Also, we want to serve our community and hold events all related to the Black Student Union.”
So, to support these goals and serve the community, Lanelle produced another sharp idea this past autumn--- sponsor an art gala to raise funds and promote her club.
The first Black Student Union and Friends Art Gala was held on Thursday, March 6, in the high school’s old gymnasium.
The gym was decorated with 40 artworks ranging from artists from New York to teachers and students at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
“The purpose of this art gala is to share the art and inspire others,” Lanelle said while standing in the middle of the gallery in the gymnasium that evening of March 6.
She was happy to report that the exhibit raised $800, with half being sent to California.
“We will donate 50 percent to LA Wildfire relief efforts and 50 percent to fund our club,” she said.
Lanelle recalled how this event came about.
“I was browsing for ideas to raise money with my dad, and we came up with the art gala,” she revealed.
Her father, Simeon Campbell, attended and participated in the gala, which displayed two of his artworks.
“I dabble in art and photography,” Mr. Campbell said. “Lanelle and I came up with this idea in November to raise money for her club. And it is good for the club to give back to the LA Wildfires.”
Here are the artists' names-including numerous Bridgewater-Raritan High School students and teachers—whose works were displayed at the gala.
Robert L. Newman III
Becca Guzzo
Ali Rufrano-Ruffner
Simeon Campbell
Jason Draine
Sarah Nassan
Lanelle Campbell
Kajsa Mostow
Amalia Marquardt
Lucia Bolle
Sinny Gutierrez
Marlene Morales
Gianna Diiorio
Kyle Rosander
Elle Chemko
Sophia Avila
Simran Agarwala
Evelyn Wang
Candace Jeab
Leila Ricks
Caitlin Hernandez
Harsha Balamurugan