By Stephen Smoot
Recently, the City of Shinnston and partner organizations have worked to develop ways to increase the appeal of downtown. From lighting to more music and art, plans completed and plans made both have an eye to making Shinnston even more of a jewel in the crown of Harrison County.
Lincoln High School business students, starting with the EPIC grant earned last fall, have worked hard to do their part to make Shinnston shine. They started with the rail trail, placing news signs and holding fun and family friendly events.
Now these Cougars have their claws out to do more than just scratch the surface of civil improvements.
Julie Yearego, Lincoln High School business teacher and advisor to the student committee working with the grant, shared that they “have been organizing events along the rail-trail all school year to encourage more visitors to our area.” She went on to explain that “the students are also working on a beautification project for downtown Shinnston.”
Students hope to bring six of each of the following amenities and improvements to the Shinnston streetscape, including benches, planters, and waste receptacles. They will be black-coated, industrial strength, uniform in color and style, and steel-coated to ensure a long and useful life.
The total cost of the project will approach $13,000. Groups of students have created a fundraising pitch that they delivered to local organizations in hopes of garnering support.
“They have made a couple of community presentations and started to receive some funding,” Yearego commented, adding that they “still need quite a bit more donated to see it come to fruition.”
The project, if completed, will do far more than help to elevate the aesthetic of the city. When students work together to create plans, raise money, and execute solutions, they also develop vital life skills. Furthermore, the experience of pitching proposals for community improvement also fosters the attitude and abilities needed in future leaders for the community.
The project also welcomes donations from the community.
Yearego shared that “if an individual, family, or organization would like to purchase one individually, or in memory or honor of a group or loved one, that may be accommodated as well.”
Those who wish to give can mail them to Lincoln High School 100 Jerry Toth Drive Shinnston WV 26431. Please write on the envelope “Attn/Memo Shinnston Beautification Project. Questions can be sent to shinnstontrails@gmail.com or call Mrs. Yearego at the high school phone number, which is (304) 326-7400