Larry Hypes
Contributing Writer
RINER – A dedicated group of art students at Auburn High School have been drawing upon their skills to brighten up the holidays with colorful murals at both the rescue squad and the fire department.
“The students working with these projects are all in the National Art Honor Society,” says AHS instructor Dianna Hale, who teaches Art I—V as well as Ceramics I-III, and is a certified Advanced Placement teacher.
Hale says every child in the honor group must complete at least 10 hours of community service in an art-related activity. As part of the outreach activities at Auburn, not only are the EMS facilities being decorated but also the children raise funds to provide supplies to area care facilities, such as nearby Heritage Hall in Blacksburg. In addition, they help supply peanut butter to local food pantries and have purchased Angel Trees as well donating dog and cat food to nearby animal shelters.
“We have an annual ‘Paint Night’ activity where the students sell tickets for a night of instruction. Seniors lead the session by having a scene for participants to paint and advising them of color selections, brush stroke skills, etc., while underclassmen help with materials and additional suggestions. The funds from this community event help to purchase the necessary materials and the class members then decide on how to provide assistance to the various agencies in our local area. The community helps us and we in turn want to help our community,” says Hale, who has been a part of the ‘Auburn strand’ at both the high school and middle school for 31 years.
Riner Volunteer Rescue Squad President Jason Roop said the art is a great addition for the holidays.
“We love these illustrations,” he said. “When the teacher contacted us, we were very happy to have the children come to the squad building. They did a great job. Our squad members live here, and we want to serve as well as work with the community. I am proud we were able to be part of a great school project, and we look forward to helping our local area in any way that we can.”
The Art Honor Society is a group effort in which all the students play a role in the activities and outreach efforts.
Recently, sophomore students Samantha Lewis and Kaycie Smith, along with seniors Meadow Wayne and club president Micah Richards, outlined their part in the rescue squad work. Lewis painted the Abominable Snow Monster while Smith portrayed Rudolph and Clarice, all characters from the 1964 television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Wayne and Richards helped to organize the overall activity, mixing paints, helping with brushes, and adding touches including tree borders among other artwork.
Students adding their skills at the two facilities also included Easton Dobbins Katherine Fowler, Alyson Funk, Molly Hurd, Alexandra Jobst, Anna Kouns, Sophia Linkous, Kinley Santiago, Lettie Simpkins, and Alexander Zuckerwar.
AHS Principal David Hurd is a proponent of school and community cooperation. “Projects like these are important, as Auburn High School is the center of the community,” said Hurd. “Our students participating in things to brighten our area is a very important piece of our role.”
Hale added the art students are very active in many school activities both academic and athletic and often volunteer for various projects within the school and Auburn Eagle community.
