Peddie School Students Bring Meadow Lakes Arboretum to Life Through Art
Meadow Lakes, a Springpoint Life Plan Community, stands out as the only senior living community in New Jersey with an accredited arboretum. Spanning 103 acres, the campus offers a vibrant, ever-changing landscape that inspires discovery, connection, and renewal. Now, the natural beauty of the arboretum can be experienced from a different perspective—thanks to a group of talented students from The Peddie School.
Over the past several months, seven members of Peddie’s Class of 2026 – Zoe Bajwa, Claire Lin, Sylvania Peng, Elaine Liu, Sawyer Rolontz, Alex Gao, and Loukya Pakalapati – have worked together to create a stunning mural in one of the community’s hallways. Inspired by a scenic section of the arboretum, which holds a Level 2 accreditation, the mural features a picturesque “bridge over water” scene that brings the tranquility of nature indoors.
Reflecting on the experience, the students shared:
“Watching the scene come to life was the best part. Starting with a blank wall and slowly seeing the bridge, lake, swans, and trees take shape was incredibly rewarding. Painting alongside friends was also a highlight – it was always calming to unwind, chat, and paint together after a long, busy school day. Collaborating, exchanging ideas, and building off of each other’s creativity made the process even more meaningful and fun. Hearing stories and having conversation with employees as they passed made the hours fly by. Their kindness and support added so much to the experience and made the whole project even more enjoyable.”
The idea to “brighten up” some of the community’s bare walls originated with Meadow Lakes’ Director of Human Resources, John Brzyski. Executive Director Eric Ghaul enthusiastically supported the idea. Director of Resident Activities Liz Schaus-Guzzo had already coordinated several community partnerships with The Peddie School (a college preparatory school located in Hightstown, NJ) through Jim Truslow, the school’s Director of External Programs. She made initial introductions, and soon after, a group of eager students volunteered their time and talents to help “beautify” the community.
“The kids really took over and made it happen – creatively and logistically,” Truslow said. “I knew they had the talent. I knew they would be interested. I am most thrilled with their desire and drive to finish what they started and work together to make it happen. Frequently, students and young people have great ideas, but do they know who to implement and make things happen? These students did it all and learned what that was going to take.”
With paint and supplies provided by the Meadow Lakes’ HR department and artistic talent from The Peddie School, the project came to life—quite literally—bringing the arboretum’s spirit indoors for all to enjoy.
Residents have embraced the project, enjoying the vibrant artwork and the connection it creates with the local student community. These intergenerational collaborations help bring new energy and life to Meadow Lakes—and everyone is eager to see what future partnerships may bring.
The students hoped to create something uplifting that could add a touch of color and calm to someone’s day—and they succeeded beautifully.
“We hope this year was the rebirth of many more opportunities for our two ‘campuses’ to engage,” Truslow said. “I can’t wait to see what is next.”
To learn more about the Meadow Lakes arboretum and its Level 2 accreditation, visit the Meadow Lakes website.
