Middle School Mules work together on new sign

Over the past few weeks, John C. Thomas Middle School has showcased its school pride and spirit through a creative new project-a vibrant sign now displayed on the fence line facing Wahkiakum High School. The sign reads "Home of the Mules" and is a powerful statement of school pride and community, made possible by the Wahkiakum PTO.

The sign is crafted from plastic put-in cups, a material designed to fit into chain link fence openings. In a school-wide collaborative effort, students carefully arranged the colorful cups to spell the message in bold letters. The use of the school colors adds a personal touch, ensuring that the design truly reflects the school's identity.

"We wanted to create something that shows our school spirit while also being a fun and engaging project for the students," said Carrie Badger, leadership teacher at John C. Thomas Middle School, who tasked her students with the project.

The sign is not just a testament to school spirit-it also incorporates key academic concepts. Students had to apply math skills in the design and layout process, calculating measurements and ensuring the cups fit perfectly within the fence's openings. Additionally, the project called for creative thinking and precision as students spaced the cups in a visually pleasing and readable way.

"We really wanted to use this project to show how academic skills can be applied in real-world situations," Badger explained. "The students not only learned about design and layout but also saw firsthand how math and creativity come together in projects like this."

As a finishing touch, a mule head logo will be added to the sign soon, further enhancing the message's visual impact. The completed project is a permanent reminder of the pride and dedication shared by students, staff, and the Wahkiakum community.

This initiative was a true team effort, with multiple class periods dedicated to the planning, designing, and assembling of the sign. The "Home of the Mules" sign is an exciting addition to the campus and an inspiring example of how school spirit, creativity, and academics can come together to make a lasting impact. The result is a visually striking symbol of pride that will greet all who pass by the school and serve as a constant reminder of the strength and unity of the Mules.