The Patrick Moore Art Studio Fund at Armstrong

The Charles Armstrong School (Armstrong) community continues to grieve the devastating loss of Patrick Moore, a beloved member of the Class of 2021.

Patrick attended Armstrong from second to eighth grade, where we watched him blossom as a student with dyslexia inside and outside the classroom. He was the embodiment of Maya Angelou’s words, “People will never forget how you made them feel.” And Patrick made us feel great. Patrick brought a unique level of curiosity, energy, engagement, and intelligence to Armstrong, making him a bright light for all. Patrick embraced his dyslexia and was awarded the Wilbur E. Mattison Award, named in honor of our school’s founder, for his academic success and understanding of his own learning style.

Patrick brought a sense of positivity and belonging to everything he did, whether saying hello to all the adults on campus (whether they taught him or not) or finding deliberate ways to make his classmates feel cohesive and appreciated beyond the obstacles of the pandemic.

Patrick is the reason educators wake up in the morning and know they are making a difference. As one of Patrick’s teachers shared:

“Patrick had a special way about him. He stood up for what was right, and people saw him as a true leader. I want to carry out his memory and have it live on at Armstrong. I see Patrick in some of the students I teach. It makes me smile and gives my heart some relief knowing that Patrick lives on in my heart.”

In close consultation with the Moore family, Armstrong would like to dedicate the new art classroom that is part of our upcoming campus expansion to preserve Patrick’s spirit and memory. We anticipate the space will buzz with the energy that Patrick brought to every interaction. We hope the space will inspire students to express the creativity Patrick showed both in his art projects and in the everyday games and adventures he shared with siblings, friends, and classmates. And we know the Patrick Moore Art Studio will be filled with light – light that will remind us of Patrick’s presence and light that will remind us of the multiple gifts he brought into all of our lives.

Contributions to the Patrick Moore Art Studio Fund will support our capital campaign to build new instructional spaces, including this inspirational new art classroom. We aspire to raise $1 million for the fund.