Natick 'Walking Year Book' Aims To Reach All Graduating Seniors

NATICK, MA — The organizers behind the Natick "Tunnel of Love" project are back this spring with a new idea to honor all local high school seniors, who won't get to experience the usual graduate rites because of coronavirus.

The Natick "Walking Year Book" project aims to share photos and details about each graduating senior from Natick — no matter what school they attend — with an upcoming art installation.

"My goal is to reach every parent of every high school senior and ask them to make a heart for their son or daughter," Jo LaFalce, one of the organizers, said.

The yearbook idea came from Denise Girardin, a member of the Natick LOVE01760 Committee, which put up the "Tunnel of Love" public art project last June near the MBTA station.

To contribute to the walking yearbook, the group is asking parents to print out a heart template from the LOVE01760 Facebook page — or pick one up at either Five Crows, 41 Main St or the Natick Center Cultural District office, 20 Main St. — and then decorate it with a picture and information about a graduating senior. The finished designs can be dropped off at the art studios at 3 Adams St.

Later this spring, the hearts will be on display in Natick Center.

"The class of 2020 may not be able to walk in a graduation ceremony this year, but when the Walking Year Book is put up, they’ll be able to walk among each other’s hearts," LaFalce said.