After a four day weekend, many students struggle to stay motivated in school with summer around the corner. At the Essex entrance, the “Welcome to Kirkwood High School” sign with the pioneer steel art in the background reminds students that they are always Pioneers.
![Seeds of Happiness:
Mark Borella is a 1984 Kirkwood alum who owns and operates the Seeds of Happiness studio.
"A friend of mine's son was sick, and we knew he wasn't going to make it. I made a handful of these little smiles, [and gave it to the family.] I said maybe you can hold on to [them] until you get your smile back. [The family] said 'it would be very selfish if I didn't tell you to do this for other people.'"
Find more at seedsofhappiness.com](https://www.thekirkwoodcall.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gardenseeds-1200x800.jpg)
!["Of course [people have been mean to me],” Jack Baranski, sophomore, said. “I don’t remember their names though. History forgets those who were judgmental of others’ creativity.”](https://www.thekirkwoodcall.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/printout-30-e1572837544286-900x454.jpg)
