Rahway Students Showcase Artistic Talents on Melao Cafe & Creamery Cups

RAHWAY, NJ — Melao Cafe & Creamery in Rahway has partnered with Rahway Public School’s Grover Cleveland Elementary School for a creative collaboration that showcases student artwork!

Grover Cleveland students designed custom sleeves for Melao cups, adding a touch of artistic flair to be enjoyed by customers at the shop, located at 1425 Irving St., while supplies last.

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The project stemmed from a conversation between Grover Cleveland’s art teacher Ms. Tatiana Prutzman, Board of Education members Mr. Joe Toma (President) and Ms. Shanna Raysick, and the superintendent of the Rahway Public Schools, Dr. Aleya Shoieb, during the school’s Black History Month Celebration.

"We were discussing ways to strengthen connections between our schools and local businesses," said Mr. Toma. "This project is a fantastic example of how collaboration can lead to something fun and beneficial for the entire community."

Ms. Raysick echoed the sentiment, adding, “It’s a true joy to see our students’ artwork displayed for the community to appreciate.”

Inspired by a similar project that Ms. Prutzman had seen in another district, Dr. Shoieb and Mr. Toma reached out to the owners of Melao to gauge their interest. Co-owners Christian Restrepo and Kevin Castor were enthusiastic about the idea.

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“We are thrilled to collaborate with Grover Cleveland and Ms. Prutzman to showcase student artwork,” said Mr. Restrepo. “We believe in supporting the arts and are proud to feature the creative talents of Rahway’s youth on our coffee sleeves.”

Ms. Prutzman provided the students with creative freedom for their designs, suggesting summer or food themes for those who needed inspiration. Students used sharpies to create their designs, ensuring a consistent medium.

Cleveland Vice Principal Kyle McCormick praised the project, stating, “This was a wonderful experience for our students. They were incredibly focused on perfecting their designs, and we are grateful to Melao for providing them with this platform. We look forward to partnering with Melao again in the future and hope to expand these types of collaborations with other businesses in Rahway.”

Mr. Toma added, "We are so incredibly proud of our students, faculty, and staff in Rahway. I hope we can continue partnering with local businesses and expand this project to our other elementary schools to showcase the talents of our young men and women of promise."

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