Photos courtesy of City of Jersey City
In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, the City of Jersey City once again raised the flag for St. Joseph’s School for the Blind.
A special celebration was held at City Hall Council Chambers on October 16. Several of the school’s teachers and students attended, along with support from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace and Peace Ministries. David Feinhals, executive director of the school, gave the welcome and opening remarks. Student representative Maria Moreno led the Pledge of Allegiance, while another student, Zachary Brown, gave remarks on the importance of the school and Blindness Awareness Month.
During the ceremony, two teachers—Nidia Cartagena and Elizabeth Rivera—were honored and recognized for their 40 years of service to St. Joseph’s School for the Blind. Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to the student participants.
After the ceremony, the group went up to the balcony area to hoist the flag above City Hall. Six-year-old student Waseem Elbannani sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Blindness Awareness Month is observed every October to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The month highlights the importance of understanding visual impairment and promotes resources and support for affected individuals and their families.