Bursting at the seams, Highland Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona was overloaded with students. The school was so full nearly two years ago, educators had to transform the library into additional classrooms to accommodate all 700 kids.
But even that transformation didn’t provide enough space. So, the school looked outward – both for the space and the money to make it happen.
Highland Elementary applied for Lowe’s 100 Hometowns grant in hopes of building an outdoor learning space that could be used for educational purposes and as a creative and peaceful environment for students to play and relax.
“We wanted an outdoor space to allow learning to happen outside,” explained Highland Arts Elementary School Principal, Christy Cuddy. “But also, sometimes there are kids who don’t play like everybody else at recess. We have a lot of special needs students at our school, so this space is going provide a space for them to play.”
Because this community is near and dear to his heart, Cardinals offensive tackle and Lowe’s Home Team member Kelvin Beachum rolled up his sleeves to help get the work done.
“Phoenix means a ton to me,” Beachum said. “I’ve been able to raise my family here over the last couple of years."
This project that we’re about to embark on, you realize how important this is to the community.
Beachum, alongside Lowe’s volunteers, helped create the new space students will be able to enjoy for years to come, complete with a shaded covering, a beautiful mural, outdoor games and a refreshed garden.
“We’re kind of opening things up to kind of provide the opportunity to be creative, to let your mind wonder,” Beachum said. “To be outside more than anything. To expound on the creativity that all kids have.”
This project is the tenth collaboration between the 2021 Lowe’s Home Team and Lowe’s 100 Hometowns. 100 Hometowns is Lowe’s initiative to celebrate its centennial year and after serving communities for 100 years, 100 projects will be completed across 36 U.S. states that rebuild areas reeling from natural disasters, repair critical housing, restore beloved community centers, revive green spaces, and much more.
