Our Year Apart Together

West Philadelphia High Remembers COVID-19

West Philadelphia High School is presenting an outdoor photo exhibit that will run through the summer. The photographs are a collection of images captured by both staff and students during the last year. It has been difficult spending so much time apart. Part of attending West Philadelphia High is being part of a community. I am hoping this project will help us begin the process of recovering from the isolation of last year.

In addition to the photographs visitors will be able to listen to a podcast consisting of interviews with students about their experiences during lockdown. The podcast will be available by scanning a QR code located in the school’s courtyard. 

The exhibit is inspired by the work of local photographer Kyle Cassidy’s photographs of nurses and essential workers which was exhibited at the Science History Institute. Kyle has met repeatedly with West students to share his work and encourage students to share their photographs and thoughts.

“There has been a lot of talk about learning loss over the last year. I think it is a mistake to think this way. Our students have been learning all year, but in ways that are hard for the School District to quantify. They have learned about isolation, social justice, and loss. It’s important to create a historical record of this time as well as create a forum for students to share their experiences.” Peter Coyle- Art Teacher, West Philadelphia High School.

The exhibition opens June 1 ,2021 and will run throughout the summer.