CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Christmas has come early for a first grade teacher at Winchester's Strode Station Elementary.
Sibbie Blevins was the recipient of the first classroom makeover from local non-profit Designing Classrooms, and Monday was the big reveal.
The 'oohs' and 'ahs' were abundant as Blevins and her students got a glimpse of their new classroom for the very first time. Every corner of the room was transformed. There were new learning centers, a new desk and even a wall painted by a former Strode Station student.
"I love it, I love it. I love the colors, it just brings out a little bit of everything, " Blevins said as she marveled at her new room.
It is all the work of Karen Haskins and Patricia Hughes. The pair, and retired educators, founded their non-profit Designing Classrooms that provides classroom makeovers for deserving teachers. Their selection committee chose Blevins as their very first recipient.
"Everything she asked for was about her kids, " Karen Haskins said of why Blevins was selected.
The two began work on Friday at 3 p.m., and worked up until midnight Sunday making sure every detail was perfect.
"We woke up excited this morning...eyes a little puffy but that's okay!" Haskins said.
The makeover is far from just an aesthetic upgrade, but it improves the entire learning experience.
"After all the effort and planning and working toward this goal is something to be proud of...we're excited, " Patricia Hughes said.
It is also a boost to Blevins who, after teaching for 23-and-a-half years, deserves some love.
"It's all about my kiddos, " Blevins said.
In addition to the makeover, the Lexington Children's Theater also donated tickets to the entire class for an upcoming production.
Designing Classrooms wants to thank the following sponsors who made this makeover possible:
- Merit Furniture
- Community Trust Bank
- Central Bank
- Tessa Zanke, a former teacher at Breckinridge
- Lexington Children's Theater
- Steak 'n Shake of Winchester - Owner Ryan Dotson
- Rod Hatfield
- Stephen D Prater Construction
For more information on Designing Classrooms, click here.
