For centuries, the people of Japan have celebrated the annual tradition of Tanabata, or Star Festival, by writing their wishes on colorful paper streamers and hanging them on bamboo branches for the universe to answer.

In a similar fashion, the Highland Park High School student body tied strips of fabric to the entrance columns as a tangible symbol of its intention to make the world a better place. Students then invited community members to add their own resolutions to improve our neighborhood, our society, our world.

For eight weeks, we facilitated team building, communal craft, video gathering, and digital storytelling – an empowering experience that taught students about the joy and power of the Arts.