By Susan Burton, Henry County Schools Communications Director
Paris, TN – Five Henry Elementary School students are featured in the gallery of artworks on the Endangered Species Coalition – Collaborating for Biodiversity website which will be shown to the United States Congress on May 16, the 20th anniversary of endangered species day.
Art Teacher Valerie Godina said, “Through art, we can bring awareness for all the endangered species protected by the Endangered Species Act. We selected the Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle, the Sandhill Crane, the Alligator Gar, and the Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly. We pieced together 54 sheets of paper to create the scene. I am so proud of our students and that we, in some small way, may help bring awareness to the need to protect endangered animals. “
Students who collaborated to create the artwork are Kinsley Gaut, Karlee Raymer, Jozlyn Zeiler, Cayliana Kinley, and Fairen Nash.
The ecosystem they chose was “Rivers” and stated, “We have always been fascinated with river and wetland environments. There are so many species of wildlife that live both in and around the water that work together to keep our environmental systems in balance. Every animal, large and small, both land and water dwelling must be protected from harm with every resource that we have available.”
Photo: Artwork is made of 54 sheets of paper to create the image. Media include Colored Pencils, Sharpie, Watercolor, and Crayons.