Andrews Elementary students present downtown mural after community fundraising

Andrews Elementary fifth-graders on Tuesday presented a community-themed mural they designed and helped paint, telling the Huntington County Community School Corporation trustees that the project was intended to broaden learning for high-ability students and connect classroom skills to the wider community.

Teacher Tory Neil and elementary PD coordinator Lauren Hogue described the project as a district model: students interviewed classmates to ensure broad representation, identified themes such as positivity and unity, and worked with a local artist on the mural’s design. One student speaker described visual elements including smiley faces and a red cardinal representing the school’s mascot.

The students raised funds for the effort through schoolwide activities. They reported organizing a shoe drive that collected 4,600 pairs and a pickleball tournament that drew 20 teams across four divisions; proceeds from those efforts, plus donations and sponsorships, covered the bulk of the project’s costs. Students also assisted in painting the mural, which will be displayed downtown for a period before being permanently mounted at Andrews Elementary.

Board members and administrators praised the students’ work and the community involvement. “You guys did a wonderful job,” one trustee said, and several board members thanked teachers, families and local volunteers for supporting the project.

The presentation was made during the board’s June 8 work session; the students were released to return to school afterward.