CCUSD Will ‘Top Out’ The Robert Frost for Centennial Legacy

unnamedOn Wednesday, September 20, from 3:30 – 4:30 pm, the community is invited to Culver City High School (CCHS) to watch the unveiling of the Centennial Legacy Project and to celebrate the placing of the keystone arch inside the Robert Frost Auditorium, which is currently under renovation. Enjoy music performed by CCHS Marching Band, participate in an interactive art project, and enjoy delicious fare provided by the legendary Sorrento’s Italian Market.

All ages welcome.

The History of the Centennial Legacy Project

The Centennial Legacy Project began with a generous donation from Sony Pictures Entertainment to the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF) for CCUSD elementary school students to create a legacy art project dedicated to the secondary schools. Meetings began in February 2017 to discuss how best to commemorate Culver City’s Centennial by incorporating the ideas of the elementary school students and the history of Culver City. CCUSD elementary visual art teachers Margaret Alarcon and Susana Fattorini helped conceive the design and engage the students at all five elementary schools.

During the 2016-2017 school year, all 4th and 5th grade students were asked, “What does Culver City’s Centennial mean to you?” The themes that were most commonly expressed centered around a strong tree with 100 roots, diversity, and the rainbow from The Wizard of Oz. Painted murals, wall mosaics and mosaic benches were all considered. The final decision to create mosaic benches outside the high school emanated from the desire to produce a functional piece of art, and to place it a public space that could be enjoyed by the largest concentration of people.

Ms. Fattorni explains, “The Centennial Legacy Project mosaic benches installed outside of Culver City High School symbolize the nurturing growth provided by CCUSD’s five elementary schools to the student population as they continue through their secondary school years, and into life after high school. The benches commemorate 100 years of Culver City history, by focusing on the strength of our schools, one of the city’s greatest sources of Culver pride.”

The dripping-water tile design coming down from the five benches are etched with the names of each elementary school, plus a 6th that says, ‘Success for All Takes Us All.’ “This family of benches reflects our family of schools,” says Interim CCUSD Superintendent Leslie Lockhart. “It also symbolizes the foundation that each CCUSD student receives in the lower grades, which continues into the student’s secondary years, and beyond. The watering, or nurturing, of CCUSD students creates strong roots that are based in a comprehensive education, and cultivate 21st century skills needed not only to succeed, but also to thrive in their lives after school.”

Joanna Brody

The Actors' Gang

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