NEGAUNEE, Mich, (WZMQ) – Lakeview elementary school fourth-graders have been painting a mural outside the school throughout the week, hoping to leave something behind before they all head off to middle school.
Linnea Gustafson, the art teacher behind the project, said she wanted to give the kids a last hurrah before leaving, and make sure they have something to remember as they move on to the next stage of their education.
“It’s in front of the school, right in the circle drive where all the busses drop students off every morning and pick them up in the afternoon,” said Gustafson. “So we’re excited that it will be here for years to come. These students, I’ve had some of them since they were junior kindergarteners, so now their fourth graders and going on to the middle school. I hope they continue to grow as artists and continue their passion.”
The mural features the words of the school’s new slogan, “Miners Dig Deep.”
One student, Isabelle Wachnicki, had a lot to say about the new slogan and what it meant to her.
“It kind of means like to keep on pushing through when things are tough,” said Wachnicki. “That way the community can see it and can kind of like get inspired to other stuff too. “
Gustafson said she hopes the mural helps remind the fourth-graders to dig deep when they get to middle school, and remind the rest of the school when they see the mural every day.
“Art can be everywhere,” said Gustafson. “I think its a wonderful thing for students to see first thing in the morning and at the end of the day, reminding them they’re miners and they can dig deep at school and in the community.”
The Gustafson and the students plan to be finished the mural by the end of the week.
