Gena Wikstrom
All you residents of PebbleCreek, when was the last time you went on a field trip? For most of us it was when we were in high school. In a switch of roles, Desert Edge High School in Goodyear arranged for members of the PebbleCreek Ceramic Club to visit their Conservatory to observe the various art programs they offer. During the March 6 field trip, we were able to experience Dance, Choir, Television and Video Arts, and Agriculture students delivering superb performances and examples of their work. Each discipline was a showcase of the students in action.
The tours concluded with an interactive clay project in their ceramic studio. We were provided two pounds of clay, as were the students, with teacher-led instructions on the steps to create a bird. Yep, a bird. By hand. In about 40 minutes. Retirees. With students providing guidance. Most of us have never worked with forming clay. Even with the students’ guidance, the creative disparity between us seniors was obvious! But we were not without laughter, encouragement, and just plain fun. The students were engaging, and we were able to discuss individually their career aspirations, hurdles, goals, and challenges. What a great group of kids!
The partnership between Desert Edge High School and the Ceramic Club of PebbleCreek continues to carve a path that is rewarding and beneficial to both entities. The biggest benefit? We from PebbleCreek Ceramics get to hang out with kids who warm our hearts and bring us to a clearer understanding of the changing world of education. Most of us wished we had just a bit of these offerings when we were in high school. We had Home Ec (what was that? they asked) and Shop (that would be fun, they said). Not even a hint of TV and Video training. Now, that would have been a cool class.
We are all now sporting Desert Edge High School Scorpion t-shirts. Go for the Sting!