The students of Pope John Paul II Regional School, Willingboro, revived a tradition of following the life cycle of live butterflies during the Lenten season. Pictured is PJPIIRS student Mikayla Maldonado, holding one of the “painted lady” butterflies just before it was released. The school-wide project, which the school holds once every three or four years, divided the students into three groups – pre-K through second grade, third through sixth grades, and seventh and eighth grades – with 12 butterflies for each group, on display throughout the school for easy viewing. Teachers used the life cycle of the butterflies to explain new life through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, as he emerged from the tomb much like the butterfly emerges from its cocoon. The butterflies were let go earlier than their planned Holy Thursday release, as warm weather speeded their maturation. Photo courtesy of PJPIIRS
