TOMS RIVER – Local student Rory Leadbeater is doing her part to encourage conservation throughout the shore community…with a little artistic flare.
Rory, a student at Toms River High School North, recently completed and unveiled her hand painted wall murals for the outdoor classroom at the Save Barnegat Bay’s EcoCenter. Rory used her artistic side to complete this, her Girl Scout Gold Award project.
“It was an absolute honor for me to be able to create these wall murals for the EcoCenter and I encourage everyone to stop by and learn all about the programs available at Save Barnegat Bay,” she said.
The Save Barnegat Bay EcoCenter is located in the heart of Toms River, where land meets the bay. According to Save Barnegat Bay’s website, the EcoCenter, “helps to promote citizen-government-science conservation efforts in research, volunteerism, stewardship, partnerships, resiliency and education.”
An emerging leader and agent of community change, Rory decided to tap into her blossoming inner artist to improve the local environment.
“I’ve always wanted to tie art into my future career,” she said. “At Toms River High School North, I’ve had multiple opportunities to explore graphic design. This year, we created a club called Skip the Straws to help spread awareness of limiting plastic use in our community. Our goal is to work towards gradually eliminating single use plastics as they are the key to destruction of nature. I was able to create our logo and it really got me interested in using my creative side to improve the environment around us.”
Working with Save Barnegat Bay was not Rory’s first experience using her artistic abilities for a greater purpose. Over the summer, she shadowed at Design 446, a full-service marketing firm in Manasquan, where she pursued her interest in graphic design.
[adrotate banner="278"] “I was given a golden opportunity to learn more about the field of graphic design,” Rory said. “This company is very involved with each step it takes to run a successful design company and I was more than glad to be a part of it. I was able to learn about each aspect, and possibly which aspect I plan on majoring in college.”
Toms River school officials define Rory as responsible, confident, intelligent, creative, and eco-conscious. You can experience for yourself Rory’s contributions to the local community by visiting the Save Barnegat Bay EcoCenter.
