Becton has officially unveiled its new Wellness Patio Oasis, a calming, multi-purpose outdoor space dedicated to student wellness and the memory of six cherished alumni. The area is now open for small group discussions, outdoor lessons, or quiet reflection—offering students and staff a peaceful, purposeful environment that encourages connection, focus, and renewal.
Superintendent Dr. Dario Sforza reflects on the vision behind the initiative, “It should be a space where education extends beyond the walls of the classroom and where wellness is woven into the school day. The patio is envisioned to be a space for positivity, where students are inspired. By combining natural elements with community connection, we’re creating a space that fosters a space for respect, reflection and innovation.”
At the heart of the patio are four memorial benches, donated by families and friends in honor of Joseph Pycior Jr. (Class of 1980), Gregory Pycior (Class of 1983), Michael Schwarz (Class of 2004), Cristin Schanel (Class of 1997), Corey Schanel (Class of 2004), and Brian Willging (Class of 1991).
“Each of these individuals leaves a lasting impact on our school and community,” Dr. Sforza shares. “Some courageously served in the U.S. military, while others were taken too soon during the September 11th attacks. These benches are not just markers of remembrance—they are reminders of resilience, sacrifice, and the deep ties that connect our past to our present.”
The Ribbon Dedication Ceremony was held on Monday, June 16, where families, students, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate the lives memorialized in the patio space and mark the official opening. The event featured powerful speeches from teachers and students, and heartfelt tributes to the families in attendance.
Ms. Angela Calasso, Environmental Club advisor, spoke with deep meaning about the project’s environmental impact, “With over 60 trees planted across our campus, the trees and plants will help to improve air quality by capturing CO₂ and releasing oxygen. The trees will also provide shade and coverage to help decrease temperatures around campus, reducing the heat island effect and creating a more comfortable space for both students and wildlife. Native plants will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity and helping to establish a healthy, balanced ecosystem. The roots of these plants and trees will stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and improving soil health, while also absorbing rainfall to prevent flooding and filter stormwater naturally. This green space will also help sequester carbon over time, offering a small but meaningful contribution to combating climate change.”
She adds, “This green space is a living classroom. It is a beautiful place where students can observe, gather, learn, and reflect. Among the trees and native plants, students can deepen their understanding of ecological interactions by observing nature in action around them. Students can collect data on pollinator visits, test soil and water quality, monitor local biodiversity, or measure the growth and health of different plant species over time. Students will even conduct climate-related experiments- especially in AP Environmental Science! This space invites hands-on exploration and encourages us to apply what we learn in the classroom to the natural world right outside our doors.”
To honor the moment, the Environmental Club gifted four alumni families symbolic tree rings, representing strength through the seasons. Ms. Calasso shares pieces of her speech, “At first glance, it might just look like a pattern of circles, but each ring tells a story. You see, tree rings are like the memory of a tree. Every ring represents one year of its life. Some rings are wide, from years of strong growth. Others are narrow, from times when water or sunlight was scarce. Together, they tell the story of every season the tree has lived through- every hardship, every moment of strength, and every year of quiet resilience. That’s why our Environmental Club students chose to share this symbol with you. It represents life lived, year by year, season by season, just like the lives we’re honoring today. Though those lives may have ended too soon, their impact still echoes outward just like rings in a tree. … [These trees] also carry forward the legacy of those we remember, along with the memories we’ve made and the lessons we’ve learned in this meaningful outdoor space.”
Mr. Carlo Maucione, Supervisor of Special Services, highlights the space’s significance for student support, “The Wellness Patio offers a calming, inclusive setting that helps students regulate emotions, reset, and return to class focused. Its flexible use makes it especially impactful for our diverse learners. The Wellness Patio reflects our commitment to whole-child development and creates a safe, nurturing atmosphere that many students genuinely appreciate. With continued use and care, it has the potential to grow as a place for social-emotional learning and wellness programming across the school.”
These changes are part of a broader transformation. With over 60 trees, four memorial benches, and three new patios across campus, Becton’s landscape has been reimagined to reflect its values. These aren’t just physical spaces—they’re living symbols of the school’s rich history and bright future.
The Becton community extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Education for sponsoring the vision, the administration for their leadership, and the staff and students for bringing it to life. Special thanks were given to Ms. Calasso, Ms. Gaffney, Ms. Mitchell, and the legendary Mrs. Ferris for words that moved the audience during the ceremony.
As Dr. Sforza concludes, “This is more than a project. It’s a permanent tribute to unity, gratitude, and pride—a space where students will reflect, grow, and remember. It reminds us that the Becton community is strong, compassionate, and ever-connected.”