As the school year ended, American Academy of Innovation teacher Landon Leak used his eighth-grade math class to combine geometry with empathy through a project for The Refuge, a Utah County domestic violence shelter and rape crisis center.

“We’re building a tessellation that’s going to be hung at The Refuge,” Leak told his students. “Hopefully, people there will see this tessellation you’re making and it will give them peace. This work you’re putting in will help other people, even if you can’t see the impact. Everybody goes through something unpleasant in their lives, but I want to tell you that no matter what happens, there’s always hope and you can help other people.”

Students chose leaf colors and discussed whether to write directly on the art or on a plaque beside it.

“We want each of you to pick colors you intend to dye the wood once it’s cut out into leaves. Then, as a class, we will decide if we want to write on the leaves or on a plaque next to the tessellation,” Leak told them about the heart-shaped tessellation which represented unity and growth.

To give the students context, Ashley Lewis from The Refuge talked with students.

“When Landon reached out, I thought your artwork would be perfect especially since we have art therapy; I wouldn’t be surprised if an art therapist will use it during her sessions,” she said. “One thing I want for you to understand is healthy relationships and being able to look for red flags in relationships — if that happens, you need to leave immediately.”

Students connected with the project.

“I want to help people get through some hard things so they know they’re good; there’s hope,” said eighth-grader Drake Stinson as he chose his leaf colors.

Classmate Colin Fugal liked “how the repeating leaf patterns symbolize growth in a person,” as well as “by doing this, it’s easier to learn our math concepts.”

Lewis appreciated the symbolism: “I like how they talked about what it represents — beauty, hope and healing — which resonates with The Refuge.” 

For Leak, it also was personal.

“I’ve found that when I’m the most lost, the way to find myself is by helping others. Eighth grade was the hardest year of my life. If this helps them navigate their eighth-grade year, that would be cool,” he said.

The class chose to let the leaves remain unmarked and to place a plaque nearby, which would include the name of the piece.

“The plaque should say it’s OK to change, because change is normal like nature changes throughout the seasons,” said eighth-grader Kaleb Johnson.

Lewis praised the finished 4-foot-by-4-foot artwork: “We are so thrilled with how the artwork turned out. It looks amazing and we feel strongly that it will make a lasting impact on those we serve and our staff members.” 

Eighth-grader Tim Facente summed up the project: “I hope this artwork will represent growth and moving forward. Even if there’s something that is difficult right now, there are other leaves or people who love them and are the good things in their lives.”λ