Community partnership sparks creativity at Wahkiakum High School

When Wahkiakum Community Network's coalition coordinator arrived at Wahkiakum High School on a crisp autumn morning, Mrs. Elsa Clark was preparing a biology lesson in which students build edible cells. Like so many in our rural community, Mrs. Clark wears many hats: she teaches biology, honors geometry, kindergarten music, serves as the K–12 homeschool liaison-and still finds time for her favorite subject: high school art.

Mrs. Clark began her career as a paraeducator and has now spent 10 years teaching in Wahkiakum schools. "I like to put art in all of my classes," she said, laughing. Her passion for creativity runs through every subject she teaches.

As community organizations began rebuilding after the COVID-19 pandemic, Wahkiakum Community Network (WCN) Coalition saw a resurgence in membership. With new energy and the mission statement "to empower our youth, families, schools and, community to live healthy lives physically and mentally, promoting well-being for all," members felt it was time to refresh the organization's decades-old logo that was originally designed by a local student.

The Coalition approached Mrs. Clark with the idea of involving her art students in the redesign, ultimately deciding on a logo-design contest. Some students offered updated versions of the original logo with brighter colors and fresh features, while others created entirely new designs. Their process echoed an assignment called "Music to Canvas," where students translate the imagery evoked by music into original artwork.

In Washington state, high-school students are required to complete two years of fine arts. In Mrs. Clark's classroom, the first year focuses on the elements of art and principles of design. "Then I want them to take that and fly with it," she said. By the second year, students work on self-directed quarterly projects and are encouraged to explore and create freely.

Mrs. Clark firmly believes that every student has creative talent. "Sometimes the biggest challenge is getting students bought into the creative process," she said. However, certain projects like reversal painting tend to unlock hidden potential. "Students who might not have realized they had artistic ability become really excited," she said. "Seeing that creative spark ignite; I love to see their excitement in what they create and just the pride they take in it."

The WCN logo redesign was just one of many community-based projects Mrs. Clark's students have taken on. These partnerships often extend beyond regular school hours. Students plan to paint the doors at the local Family Health Center to match murals they've already completed. They're also collaborating with the ag-mechanics class to design and paint a giant metal Sasquatch for the ferry terminal. Other upcoming projects include work at a local plant nursery and at the historic Pioneer Church.

Students even take field trips to events like the Astoria Art Walk. "I think it's important for them to get out and see what people are creating and feel what it's like to be part of the art community," said Mrs. Clark.

So how do you get an A in Mrs. Clark's class? You create. "From bell to bell, they're working until I say it's clean-up time," she said. Mrs. Clark's classroom buzzes with energy throughout the day, with students often dropping in during free periods to continue their projects.

Some aspire to be professional artists or architects. One student even started a business using designs he created in class. Mrs. Clark is continually inspired by their commitment. "It's important to them," she said. It's a big part of their life. Such a high level of dedication from the students makes for a really fun experience for me."

The Coalition was impressed, too. Members voted for their top three designs using ranked choice voting in June and officially adopted the winning logo in September.

"Art is an important part of education for cognitive development as well as mental health," she said. "I think it needs to be celebrated and be a focal point of all education systems."

That, at its heart, is what the Wahkiakum Community Network is all about: promoting the health and well-being of our students, families, and community. Here's to another inspiring local partnership!