Middle school art students had a unique opportunity to create artwork for the Frisco ISD School Board last month — and a chance to leave a little part of their school with each Trustee.

Vandeventer art teacher Leanne Rainey said her students have gifted Board members with art before, but this year, there was a twist. Previous projects included a puzzle and a book tailored to each Board member. This year, inspiration struck during a “Hero Portrait” lesson, where students use text to form an image.

As the class brainstormed ideas — from district mission statements to campus names — one student had a lightbulb moment: use the first names of all 800-plus Vandeventer students to create each portrait.

“I thought that was the coolest idea,” Rainey said.

Before beginning, Rainey wanted to ensure students understood the role and responsibilities of a school board. After a brief lesson on civic leadership, she asked for volunteers to take on the project. Seven students stepped forward — one for each Trustee.

Up close, each portrait reveals hundreds of carefully written names. From a distance, those names come together to form the likeness of a Board member. Though they all include names, every piece reflects the unique style of its student artist.

“As a group, we knew instantly that would make an unforgettable and meaningful ‘Gift of Art’ for each board member,” Rainey said.

The portraits were presented during the District’s Board Appreciation celebration. In addition to the art presentation, the Reedy High School choir performed.

Board President Dynette Davis said the artwork was deeply meaningful.

“This portrait is something I will treasure for years to come,” Davis said. “To see my image created from the names of every Vandeventer student is incredibly moving — it’s a reminder that our work as Trustees is always about students, individually and collectively. I’m so proud of these students for not only sharing their talent, but for taking the time to learn about the role of a school board trustee and finding such a meaningful way to connect their voices to ours.”

- Rachel McReynolds