LCCS Champion Provides Students with Real World Project and Donates to the Art Department

A community business leader recognized the potential of Lake Center senior high art students and commissioned them to solve a real-world problem collaboratively and creatively. This opportunity highlighted their artistic abilities and further developed skills transferable to academics and adulthood.

Mr. Chris Ramsburg, a familiar face in the Lake Center community as a longtime supporter, parent of LCCS alums Morgan and Christian, and former board member, approached Mrs. Emily Meraj, 7-12th grade art teacher, and her students. He asked them to digitally design artwork for the Ramsburg Insurance and Financial Services billboard on Cleveland Avenue in Uniontown. His company, which has been part of the community for 65 years, uses the billboard to raise awareness about the societal issue of distracted driving and its dangers. However, the artwork and messaging needed an update.

“I have always known Emily Meraj to be very gifted and creative. I was confident that this would transcend into her art students at LCCS,” said Mr. Ramsburg, highlighting the project as a hands-on experience to complement students’ learning and boost personal growth.

Appreciative of the final design – now featured on the billboard – Mr. Ramsburg made a $1,000 financial donation to the art department of Lake Center, a school he said has had “a firm foundation of a biblical worldview for 77 years.” Mr. Ramsburg and his wife, Lynn, faithfully give to LCCS to continue to see lives impacted for Christ.

Art Assignment Accepted 

“We value Mr. Ramsburg’s commitment to our school and promoting the arts, as well as his role in showcasing our students’ work to the community,” said Mrs. Meraj.

Her Advanced Art students, driven by their passion for the project, spent hours collaborating on various design concepts. They planned to present six billboard possibilities to Mr. Ramsburg and his team for selection.

After thoroughly researching various art movements, the students drafted options inspired by Pop Art, a movement from the late 1950s and 1960s centered around eye-catching depictions. Mrs. Meraj said the students understood the importance of creating a billboard that would draw attention, resonate with younger drivers, and effectively caution against texting and driving.

The final art chosen for the billboard was a combination of ideas put together by the students using an iPad.

Mrs. Meraj said the opportunity helped her students see how their life skills could play out. It gave them a taste of presenting ideas, hearing feedback, redoing components to address issues visually, and working together to finish a project.

Mr. Ramsburg, who said the billboard – featuring the Lake Center logo – turned out “fantastic,” is glad the students gained the sense that their passion for art could be used as a gift professionally.

Transferable Skills Sharpened

Students expressed how the assignment strengthened their transferable abilities and reassured them of its real-world application. These skills, including decision-making, perseverance, concentration, and accountability, are not just for the classroom but can be used in college or their future careers. Students involved in the billboard project agreed their confidence grew as they shared originative ideas with classmates and teamed up to produce high-quality designs. 

For junior Gabriella Smith, the real-world project was a transformative experience. It challenged her visual-spatial skills, pushing her to use and interpret art based on the information she sees to tell a compelling story. 

Mattea Vancuren, a senior, said LCCS has helped her try new things and view art as an expression of enjoyment created by God, who made us, as highlighted in Isaiah 64:8 – “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” She added that her art class experience led her to make visual presentations more meaningful and organized for her other courses.

LCCS parent Mr. Shane Humphrey, who works professionally with Mr. Ramsburg, accompanied him in presenting the check to the art department for their services. He shared how the arts at Lake Center provide a tangible outlet for his children to develop imaginatively and discover new hobbies.