July 28, 2021 — Well, they did it. Students involved in the summer school program for first- to sixth-graders at Siuslaw Elementary School built a city from “heart and soul,” which they completed July 22.

In a summer program created around civics, students used creativity, art supplies and cardboard to build an entire imaginary city in the school gym. This included a bank, theater, gallery, observatory, fire station, animal shelter, market, library, gym and garden.

Students were able to show their families their completed creations after the closing ceremony, presented outside at the elementary school. All the students and summer school staff wore matching shirts with an illustration by Kassy Keppol, showing the this year’s theme, “We Built This City on Heart and Soul.”

In addition, new Siuslaw High School Principal — and former elementary principal — Mike Harklerode gave a brief welcome to the event. During his introduction, he introduced Amy Flora as the elementary school’s new principal.

“She's going to be awesome. You guys are in good hands,” Harklerode said. “For those of you coming back to Siuslaw Elementary School, you've got it made. Ms. Flora is going to do a great job.”

The closing ceremony also included Girl Scout Troop 11752, led by Lisa Spencer, which presented flags at the start of the ceremony, and district administration and board members.