How might we empower student voice in the town of Kuna, Idaho through community improvement projects that bring more art and color to the town?
Two days, nine projects, 90+ volunteers, 16 gallons of paint, 120 sandwiches, 1 million pounds of tumbleweeds that found a new home and COLOR EVERYWHERE best describes Break Through 2.015 Kuna—Colored Lens One Stone’s eighth annual alternative spring break.
High school students from across the Treasure Valley joined together in a flurry of teamwork and creativity for student led and directed community improvement projects including: community art installations, the creation of a community garden, a sand volleyball court, a fence mosaic and benches featuring student artwork.
The event culminated in the One Stone Walkabout, a one-mile walk around Kuna’s greenbelt where participants had the opportunity to see some of the finished student art installations and other projects. As part of Break Through, students created a walking map of the area that will serve a lasting guide to the accomplishments of the community event. A drone, a first for Kuna, caught the event on film.
Results
In a post-event survey:
98% of the students reported that Break Through Kuna improved their teamwork and collaboration skills.
98% reported that the project created a sense of community among students.
90% reported that the project inspired them to get more involved in their community.
100% reported that the project successfully connected students from different schools in the valley.
This simple six-word reflection by one student says it all:
Break Through was life-opening work.
