TAUNTON —Superintendent John J. Cabral and Principal Claudine Nichols are proud to announce that student Alayna Lonergan has been awarded the grand prize in the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) ‘My Ideal School’ art competition.
The ‘My Ideal School’ contest aims to foster discussions among students and teachers about the impact of well-designed and constructed schools on student engagement and 21st-century learning. The competition was open to all first-grade students enrolled in Massachusetts public schools.
"We are incredibly proud of Alayna’s achievement and her creative vision," said Superintendent Cabral. "This recognition highlights the importance of student voice in shaping educational spaces that inspire and support their learning."
Alayna's vibrant depiction of her ‘Ideal School’ features a rainbow-colored building with dedicated areas for art, gym, cheerleading, football, drama, a library, and especially gymnastics. Her creative vision will be showcased on the cover of the MSBA’s annual report.
“This competition empowers our young students to envision and articulate their ideal learning environments," said Principal Nichols. “It’s thrilling to see what our students come up with.”
To participate in the contest, students were asked to design and then draw or paint their ideal school and
write a short essay describing their design. Alayna's imaginative submission stood out among more than a thousand entries. The MSBA Board of Directors carefully reviewed the submissions, narrowing the field to 600, before State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg selected 10 regional finalists, including the grand prize winner.
“My favorite school is East Taunton Elementary school!” Alayna wrote. “I want my Ideal School to have art, Gym, cheer, football, drama, and library. Another thing i want in my Ideal school is a Gymnastics area. The last thing I want my Ideal school to have is Mr. Boyle run the school. My school would be the best!”
Alayna’s grand prize was announced at a special ceremony at the State House. She was accompanied by her teacher, Mr. Nicholas Boyle, who she appointed as principal of her Ideal School.
"I am extremely proud of Alayna for her dedication and hard work in the Massachusetts 'My Ideal School'
Contest," said Mr. Boyle. "She worked extremely hard on her project, and her attention to detail in both her artwork and her writing was remarkable! Winning the grand prize is a testament to her talents and her outstanding effort! She represented Taunton proudly with her work and when she attended the ceremony at the State House! I look forward to hearing and watching her talents continue to blossom as she grows further in her educational career. Keep shining bright and reaching for the stars!"
In addition to a framed copy of her painting, Alayna received a personal tour of the Treasurer’s Office, including a trip to a 19th-century vault.
