Anyone wondering how kids feel about their home town will soon get that perspective as they travel on Vermont Route 7A between Arlington and Manchester. Students from Sunderland Elementary School have been asked by the Town Selectboard to design roadside signs that will greet passengers as they enter Sunderland from both directions.
“For as long as anyone can remember, we’ve never had town signs,” says Sunderland SelectBoard Member Richard ‘Dixie” Zens. “Once the Board decided to move forward someone raised the idea of letting students design the signs. The kids provide a free spirit and fresh identity to the project. Plus they have a lot at stake because they may be living here for a long time.”
The town is taking advantage of available funds from the State of Vermont to be used for lighting, sidewalks or signage. Two signs will be posted 2.5 miles apart on the north and south Sunderland town lines. One as you drive down 7A from Manchester and the other as you cross over the border from Arlington.
When offered the sign design challenge, Sunderland Elementary eagerly accepted. “We see the project as an opportunity for our kids to connect with the local community,” says Sunderland Principal Jenn Turner. “They love where they live and are excited about making a contribution that will have an impact well into the future.”
Students from grades three through six worked with the school's art instructor Amy Harris. They brainstormed ideas in group discussions before working individually on their own creation. “The kids start with a blank piece of paper,” said Harris. “Then they draw and paint to express their thoughts about their town.”
As the students rushed on deadline to complete their projects they talked excitedly about their work.
“I love getting the chance to show my feelings about my town.”
“I want people and friends to know they are welcomed.”
“The sign will never go away. Think about that. This is really a big thing!”
One 4th grader applied a more philosophical approach in a manner that would have Socrates scratching his head with admiration. “My sign has a sign within the sign,” she said. “The sign in my sign is fixed, it never changes. But the other parts of my sign, like the sunset, will never be exactly the same again.”
At the appointed time, after school on December 12th, Harris handed over 25 designs to Zens and Town Planning Board member Gordon Dossett. Before the exchange the art was laid out on a table like a wall in a gallery.
The images revealed a number of themes: landscapes with skies, mountains and trees, the mix of four seasons, covered bridges over rivers, and animals … lots of animals. In the words of one designer, “I actually saw a moose in my yard!”
The students have delivered on their end of the bargain and the focus now moves on to the town leaders. “We’ll be meeting over the next few weeks to finalize next steps,” says Zens. “We may select one sign or use a few to develop an overall concept. We have some work to do.”
If all goes well the new signs will go up early in 2024. The Selectboard will also highlight the student contribution to the town’s new greeting card. “All the students will be recognized for their input,” says Zens. “With maybe a special remuneration for the individuals making the most impact on the final design.”
And for all of us driving on Route 7A, the kids will deliver a heartfelt message, “Welcome to Sunderland.”
