TROY - Guthrie Healthcare recently gave some students in the Troy-Canton area the chance to be creative.
Students in third through sixth grades at Canton Area Elementary School and Troy Intermediate School were given line prints showing a rendering of the exterior of the new Guthrie Troy Community Hospital, which is being built just outside Troy Borough.
They were asked to decorate the prints however they wanted to.
Recently, I had the opportunity to view some of their designs. They were on display in a Powerpoint presentation at the recent beam-signing event for the new hospital at the Troy Vets Club. There were 100 designs in the moving slide show.
The students drew things you might expect - like ambulances and a helicopter for the helipad that's being built at the hospital - and some things that you might not expect, such as dragons.
They really let their imaginations take over.
"We wanted them to show us their creativity on how we should decorate the outside of the new hospital and inspire them to be part of history," said Stacy Beers, marketing manager for Guthrie Healthcare System. "Building a new hospital is not something that happens every day. They were very excited to help us and we are excited about the opportunity."
Wayne Beeman, the art teacher at Troy Intermediate School, was enthusiastic about the project.
"We are fortunate to have a part in the grand opening of the new Troy Community Hospital," he said.
He said the students were given "the chance to add their own touch and style."
"I think it brings a connection to their life and the community."
Wayne said it was "a nice incentive, I think, for students to be rewarded for their efforts."
"The students are excited and looking forward to seeing their work on display."
One Troy student, Vicky Yang, a sixth grader, said, "I thought it was a great thing to do to add detail to the new Troy Community Hospital line print. It was fun. I'm looking forward to have my artwork on display and seeing it during the grand opening."
Another Troy student, Uriah Bolt, a sixth grader, said, "I think it was a great opportunity to be able to add detail to the new Troy Community Hospital. It would be cool to have my art seen by many when the hospital opens."
Stacy said the hospital is looking at involving the students in some way at the grand opening.
"Our hope is to take those images and incorporate them some way at the new hospital," she said.
One possibility is a master collage, though nothing has been decided.
"Troy Community Hospital has community in the name, and we wanted the community to be involved," Stacy said. "It was a very neat project to be involved in because you could see how interested in and excited about the new hospital the kids were."
Her favorite design was one that had "I love Troy Hospital" written across the top.
"It was very heartfelt."
Do you have an idea for the Western Bradford Notebook? You can reach Eric Hrin at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreivew.com.
