Sparking Moments That Matter: Gems of Gratitude at UAHS

In Upper Arlington Schools, learning often goes hand in hand with giving back. At Upper Arlington High School, students had the chance to create moments of gratitude, designing custom jewelry for staff members who have inspired them. 

“Once we had the opportunity to do a commissioned piece, I was like, I have to do it for Fran,” Katy C., a student in Honors Advanced Jewelry & Metals, said of her chosen staff member — study hall aide Fran DiDonato. 

Katy’s design — a bezel-set ring — was carefully planned to both highlight the turquoise and aquamarine stones and create the statement piece that DiDonato desired. 

“She decided she wanted to do a ring, and I had a couple of sketches of what’s possible,” Katy explained.

Bella A., a student in AP 3D Art & Design, also took a deeply personal approach to this service learning project, creating a ring for her former biology teacher, Jaren Woodland. 

“We came up with the idea to use two moonstones and make an infinity symbol surrounding the ring,” Bella said of the design, which holds special meaning for Woodland. 

Janey C. drew inspiration from her teacher’s family, designing a pendant featuring emeralds to represent Angela Bower’s two children. 

“When you look down at these emeralds, you see the little humans you’ve brought into the world,” Bower said. “There’s no better thought than that.”

For the students, the service-learning project offered a rare chance to turn classroom skills into something tangible, personal, and meaningful. 

“This is kind of my first opportunity to make something professional that is going to be, ‘Oh, who made this? One of my high school students did,’” Bella said. 

Katy added, “I think it’s amazing that we have this opportunity, especially because we’re in high school.”

Staff members were deeply touched by the thoughtful creations. 

“This was the sweetest,” Nick Komjati said of the ring designed by Mina Beekman for his wife. “Mina’s excitement throughout the whole process made me really excited about it.” 

DiDonato simply put it: “It means everything.”

These projects are more than just creative assignments. They are examples of service in action, giving students the opportunity to capture gratitude, thoughtfulness and care in a tangible form. At Upper Arlington High School, moments like these remind everyone that learning isn’t just about what happens in the classroom — it’s about building connections that truly matter.