For the second consecutive year, Junior Meliah Persino has won 1st place in the Salvation Army’s “Art of the Red Kettle” contest. The challenge this time around was to decorate the kettle with a Christmas movie theme. Each kettle is currently being displayed in the Eastwood Mall. Last year, artists were asked to incorporate “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and their school logo on the kettle. Our school’s name will be placed on the winner’s plaque once more this holiday season.
Despite there only being one winner, each kettle made by the individual schools raises money for the honorable cause that is supporting the Salvation Army. Schools participating include Badger High School, Champion High School, Niles Intermediate School, and others. Even our own Lakeview Middle School participated, along with contributing local artists.
Persino took it upon herself to paint a showcase of the well-known classic: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, including characters such as Santa, Clarice, the abominable snowman, who Persino claims is her favorite character, and of course, Rudolph himself.
She claims it took her around “5 hours. I spent roughly two hours sketching out the different characters. The rest of the time was spent painting the background and adding details that brought the characters to life.” In this, Persino shows her commitment– to not only her passion for art but her community as well.
When I questioned whether Persino believed she would win yet again this year, she responded, “I believed there was some great competition. I was only hoping that doing my best was enough this time around.”
She didn’t get here on her own, though. Lakeview High School art teacher Jeff Piper chose Persino to participate in this event this year and last year. Through his statements and Persino’s well-known accomplishments, it can be assumed that he does not regret his option. However, he also gives a statement to reinforce this idea.
“Obviously, it was the perfect choice. Meliah did a very nice job last year with the kettle. I figured since she was already on a roll, I’d give it to her this year as an extra project.” Piper said.
Additionally, in last year’s Bulldog Bulletin article, “LHS Sophomore Paints for a Cause” by Aydin DiBell, the writer consulted Piper on the topic of students and community service.
“Piper explained, ‘Students not only receive community service hours for their efforts, but also community recognition and a great deal of pride for their accomplishments. I think it’s important for our youth today to be involved with their community to give them a sense of connection with their local culture.'”
Piper elaborated on other instances where our school’s art programs gave back to the community.
For instance, “We tend to take on community projects all the time. We participated in the decoration of snow plows, we submitted a barrel for the Trumbull County Fair, and we made a gingerbread house at Lake Vista. Currently, we’re participating in the art boxes around Cortland. We tend to get projects coming across my desk all the time, and I try to get as many students involved as possible,” Piper states.
Efforts to contribute locally will most likely continue for quite some time. If this includes only Lakeview’s Art Department, imagine what our school as a whole can and does do. Not only our school as a whole but also the individual students that attend truly have a dedication to the community.
Of course, these accomplishments are not made through one person alone. Thanks to the participation of dedicated students, like Persino, and supportive teachers, like Piper, Lakeview has achieved its upright reputation. Overall, this shows the integrity of our school.
