Adair Co. High project combines art, renewable energy, recycling
May 28, 2014 by clackey
Adair County High School students accepted the PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month Award for their “This Is Art” display.
On May 20, the community gathered at the Adair County High School PRIDE Arboretum to enjoy an illuminated art display featuring solar-powered lights and recycled glass and wood.
The display, entitled “This Is Art,” was the result of a year-long project by a team of 40 ACHS students. Their unique creation earned the PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month Award.
“What a beautiful gift these students have given to their community,” said Jennifer Johnson, who presented the award. “I congratulate the students for their creativity and handiwork, and I commend the teachers who partnered together to guide this project.”
The students were members of Sheila Willis’ Environmental Science class, Heather Spoon’s Energy Academy and Debra Wimmer’s Advanced Art classes. The teachers had collaborated since September to lead the cross-curricular project.
The students learned about the illuminated works of artist Bruce Munro. They crafted their own version of illuminated artwork with recycled glass jars and wood, gathered from the community. A PRIDE grant paid for a solar-powered fence box, a projector, fiber optic cable and lights. The materials will be recycled into another project next year.
The project enjoyed lots of community support. Larry Johnson, Leon Lewis, Larry Bryant, and Glen and MaryAnne McQuaide volunteered their help. Local organizations that assisted were the Family Resource Center, Title I program, PRIDE, Jeffries Hardware, Columbia Magazine, WAIN, WHVE, Community Voice and Adair Progress.
The PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month Award rewards creative, effective ways of promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. PRIDE presents one award each month to a school within the 42 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky.
Follow PRIDE online at www.facebook.com/EasternKentuckyPRIDE.
To view illuminated artwork by Bruce Munro, who inspired the ACHS students’ light display, visit: www.brucemunro.co.uk.
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