School News
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 November 2016 16:08
Adam Gebhardt and Alexandra Crouse, elementary art education teachers in the West Jefferson Hills School District, have received a $2,000 grant as part of Voya Financial’s 2016 Voya Unsung Heroes awards competition. The teachers were awarded their check on Friday, October 21, 2016.
West Jefferson Hills Grant Recipients |
Gebhardt’s and Crouse’s innovative teaching idea, titled “ArtEd21: Art in 3D,” is focused on modernizing the art education curriculum at the WJHSD elementary schools. Historically, students were taught art education using traditional materials like yarn, felt and construction paper. However, with technology opening new avenues for creative design, Gebhardt and Crouse will use 3D modeling and printing to help students express their full creative potential. The students will learn about digital design, functionality, aesthetics and computer modeling as they invent, create and produce using 3D printers. This program is designed to bridge the gap between art, mathematics and science as students challenge themselves to explore new creative possibilities.
Selected from a group of more than 1,350 applicants, Gebhardt and Crouse are among only 100 winners across the country who will receive this award to help fund and bring their program to life.
In addition, they will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes — an additional
$5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 from Voya Financial.
Photo at right: The 5th grade students (kneeling) are: Marina Reckard; Anthony Lauso; Laekyn Flinn; and Joseph Pulleo; and (back row) Principal of McClellan Elementary Justin Liberatore; Principal of Gill Hall Elementary Tina Mayer; Voya Financial Rep; Adam Gebhardt; Alexandra Crouse; and Principal of Jefferson Elementary Chris Very.