(R to L Kim Pernerewski, President NAMI Waterbury, Roseanne Chrzanowski, Department Head Art Dept. Naugatuck High School, Jake Lisakolsky, John Henebry, Treasurer NAMI Waterbury)
Jake Lisakolsky sits in the art room at Naugatuck High School with his head down quietly doing his work while other students are bustling around him talking, visiting and generally being teenagers. Jake appears un-phased by what is going on in his surroundings until someone says “They’re here!” He looks up, then goes right back to his work.
Why would Jake care that they are here? Because Jake participated in the 1st annual NAMI Waterbury T-Shirt Design contest. This made Jake the first $200 winner of the NAMI Waterbury T-Shirt Design Contest. His design has been chosen to be the official T-shirt for the annual NAMIWalks 2011 held at Bushnell Park on May 21st. The contest was offered to several high schools in the greater Waterbury area. Jake’s design, a healthy pink brain with the City of Waterbury proudly perched on top of it, welcomes visitors. At the top of the design the word NAMI is written in bold orange letters with 2011 embedded in the I. Jake’s artistic talent is boldly illustrated in his drawing.
Jake is a sophomore at Naugatuck High School who most often will be found in the art room when he is not engaged in other studies. Jake is not only a dedicated artist, he also runs track for the Greyhounds. He has a very easy going manner about him which clearly keeps him focused.
Roseanne Chrzanowski, Jake’s Art Teacher at Naugatuck High said that Jake is a very talented artist. She said that if she asks for 1 project from him she will get 6.
Jake’s drawing can be seen on the T-Shirts that will be worn by the Minds of Waterbury Team at the NAMIWalks 2011 in Bushnell Park on May 21, 2011 starting at 9AM. Money raised by the team helps NAMI Waterbury provide support, education and advocacy for family, friends and those individuals who suffer with mental illness. Anyone interested in walking with the team or donating to the team may do so by going to http://www.nami.org/namiwalks11/CTC/mindsofwaterbury or calling 203-758-5844. Everyone who signs up will receive a T-Shirt designed by Jake. Please join us!
