Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
We are most pleased to share this special story of the development of a Vietnam Interactive Memorial, which was constructed through a collaboration between Worcester Technical High School students and Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans.
This effort included students from Painting & Design, Welding, Finance & Marketing, Computer-Aided Drafting, Carpentry, and Graphic Communications.
This piece was written by Rachel Grace Cobbina, a Worcester Technical Senior!!
Please take a few minutes to view this excellent video:YouTube Video
We thank Patricia Suomala. Director of Career and Technical Education, for sharing this with us. David
Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Collaborate with Worcester Technical High School Students to Create an Interactive Exhibit
Worcester Public Schools
November 1, 2024
WORCESTER – Thursday, October 31st, 2024 – A dedication ceremony was held on Thursday, October 31st, at Green Hill Park to unveil the new Vietnam Interactive Memorial, which was constructed through a collaboration between Worcester Technical High School students and Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans.
Worcester Tech students helped design, build, and produce an interactive exhibit at Green Hill Park, featuring stories from ten local Vietnam War Veterans. The exhibit honors the service of Vietnam veterans through interactive visual elements and personal stories, offering visitors deeper insight into the war and recognizing the over 2.7 million who served from 1961 to 1975.
"This project, I believe, will serve many generations to come and become a cornerstone of our community," said Maryjane Bitar, a Painting and Design student from Worcester Tech who oversaw the memorial project.
Students from Worcester Tech contributed impressive mini-projects to this exhibit. Each career and technical education program played a unique role. Painting & Design students engraved and stained the QR code stands, Welding students crafted the stands themselves, and Finance & Marketing students created the QR codes and developed the website they link to. Meanwhile, Computer-Aided Drafting students prepared the blueprints, Carpentry students built the new informational board, and Graphic Communications students designed and printed the graphics featured on the board.
The dedication ceremony celebrated not only the stories and sacrifices of local Vietnam veterans but also the remarkable talent and commitment of Worcester Tech students who brought this project to life. Through teamwork, creativity, and skill, these students have created an enduring tribute that will educate, inspire, and honor veterans for generations. This interactive memorial now stands as a powerful reminder of community collaboration and the lasting impact of those who served.
(Story by Rachel Grace Cobbina, Worcester Technical High School Senior)
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
