Blindness Awareness Month
Photo courtesy of City of Jersey City
City Hall in Jersey City honored Blindness Awareness Month with a flag-raising ceremony on October 2, recognizing students and staff from St. Joseph’s School for the Blind.
The program began with opening remarks from City Council elected officials. Two students, Ana Centeno and Sirayah Quick, came forward and recited poems they had written. Peace Ministries Executive Director Maureen Donohue delivered remarks focused on the founding of the school by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1891 and the core values the school continues to emulate today. She also thanked city government leaders for the recognition. "We commend Jersey City and its officials for celebrating Blindness Awareness Month—raising awareness of those who are blind and visually impaired, their needs and enormous capabilities, as well as highlighting the critical support provided to this community by St. Joseph’s School for the Blind."
The City Council presented a citation to the Congregation and Peace Ministries acknowledging the importance of their work.
The program ended with the flag being raised outside the building, accompanied by student Zachery Brown singing the National Anthem and “Star Spangled Banner.”