HOUSTON COUNTY – Matt Arthur Elementary School’s Art Club has created a school bus made out of 3,248 milk cartons to enter into a Made by Milk contest, Drink it. Think it. Make it. Win it. Made by Milk is offering a $5,000 grand prize, which will be awarded by a panel of judges. A People’s Choice Award of $2,500 will be determined by online voting. The public is encouraged to help the school win by voting online between now and Dec. 6. To vote, visit http://madebymilkcontest.com/see-entries/entries-details/?id=395&cid;=3. One may vote only once, and voters must be 13 years or older.



The project has been a team effort. Art teacher Karen Manion led the activity with the help of her students and volunteers. Gloria Howard, a lunch room monitor, saved milk cartons each day, rinsing them and letting them dry until needed. Under Manion’s guidance, the young artists created a Matt Arthur Elementary school bus using only milk cartons, appliance boxes, glue, paint and poster board.



According to the website, Made By Milk “strives to provide educators with an opportunity to teach students about recycling and repurposing materials, and how those concepts can have an impact on the lives of people and other creatures. In addition, each semester’s theme is carefully selected based on its ability to facilitate teachable moments as well as provide curriculum oriented opportunities for learning.”



Another award opportunity is for Matt Arthur to be named one of three elementary winners. Chosen by a panel of judges, the prize is $1,500. If the school wins, the money will be used toward building an outdoor classroom.



Matt Arthur Elementary is located at 2500 Highway 127 in Kathleen. Dr. Richard Rogers serves as principal. Rogers may be reached at 478-988-6170 or [email protected].