13 Pembroke H.S. Art students were recognized for creating 5 new Corfu signs that will replace old signs which have become weathered and worn.
The signs were unveiled and revealed to the public on Wednesday evening before the Village of Corfu Board Meeting. The Board tasked the students with the job in September, after Norm Waff with the Village of Corfu Maintenance Dept., contacted their Art Teacher, Eric Johnson.
The only two requirements of the project were that it included the incorporated date of 1868 and there had to be a flower included since the Pembroke/Corfu area is known for being a leader in the floral industry during the late 1800’s, early 1900’s. The raising and shipping of flowers/tulips was Corfu’s leading industry at that time.
“The kids came up with numerous designs, the board looked them over and we spent a couple weeks looking at the different designs,” says Deputy Mayor Micheal Doktor.
20-30 sketches were created by the students in September to start the project. It was narrowed down to five by the end of the school year. The students started painting at the end of April and finished the signs the second week of June.
Tori Franks getting her photo taken in front of one of the signs she work on by Art Teacher Eric Johnson
Art Teacher Eric Johnson says the students took this project seriously and worked on it whenever they had a chance.
“They took ownership. They were self-directed. They came in everyday and worked on it during their study halls and free periods, it was a good project,” says Johnson.
The students made the project their passion according to Johnson.
“I’m impressed with how accurate their painting is, the lettering, they put a lot of effort into it. It wasn’t something they did as busy work.”
Jonah Martin and Lily Martin with Mayor Tom Sargent
Students worked as a group on the 5 signs. Students who worked on the signs were, Rylie Ace, Molly Chittenden, Sophie Crandall, Isla Czechowicz, Lilly Doctor, Illeana Draper, Tori Franks, Amelia Geck, Will Levinstein, Jonah Martin, Lily Martin, Kayla Reynolds and Lilly Senko.
The old signs were also created by Pembroke H.S. students about 7 years ago according to Norm Waff with the Village of Corfu. Those signs will be returned to Pembroke H.S. where they will be kept after they are taken down.
The new signs should last a bit longer and are weatherproofed a bit more, according to Deputy Mayor Michael Doktor.
“As you enter the village from all four directions you will be able to see the signs. One of the signs will be placed at Village Offices at 116 W. Main Street.”
Each sign will also have a plaque attached to the back with the student’s names listed.
Sophomore Sophie Crandall with the sign she worked on
“It was a cool experience,’ says sophomore Sophie Crandall.
“You could shape how things in your community looked and it was a fun project, you could be creative and represent our town the best way possible.”
2023 graduate Kayla Reynolds with the sign she worked on
2023 graduate Kayla Reynolds says she enjoyed learning a new medium.
“We really wanted it to be the best quality possible because people are going to see it for, we don’t know how many years, and everyone drives into Corfu is going to see these signs and we wanted them to be as finished and professional looking as possible.”
Mayor Tom Sargent with Illeana Draper
Corfu Mayor Tom Sargent says the project is a way for students to give back and help rebuild the community.
“This is important, I grew up here and graduated from Pembroke as did Mike. I was gone for about 15 years and when I came back, I see businesses left and the grocery store closed. Since I’ve been back, I want to be part of rebuilding the Village and bringing it back to what it once was. This will revitalize it and new signs was a no brainer.”
Installation of the new signs will be completed in August.
