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Recently, the Sherborn 5th grade Junior Girl Scouts repainted all five doors at the entrance to Pine Hill School. They were working on fulfilling all the requirements necessary to earn their Bronze Award. The Bronze Award is the first medal in a trio that girls work towards earning over the next six to seven years in scouting. It is a service project that identifies a need in the community. Last year's 5th grade Juniors painted a "Buddy Bench" on the playground to earn their award.
The fifteen Junior girls first submitted three ideas each that identified something they thought would benefit Sherborn. The group then collectively decided that the idea the would have the most impact would be to repaint the front doors of Pine Hill School with messages that reflect the school value of inclusion.
Dr. Brown, principal, and Mr. Gimlett, head custodian, were enthusiastic about the idea and gave the girls the go ahead. Over four meets, the primer, base coat, and colors were applied. Dodging multiple rainouts and having to accomplish the task over weekends to avoid people touching wet paint, the project slowly was completed. It was another exercise in teamwork, a main component of scouting - and of course, the girls had fun, too.
The doors reflect the universal symbol of the rainbow, which represents all the colors of the world. The girls wanted visitors and students that pass through the doors to know that Pine Hill School welcomes people of all types. To bolster this message, the girls included some quotations that emphasize being yourself and accepting others for who they are. The doors are also super-cheerful and make Pine Hill visually more inviting.
The girls thanked Dr. Brown and Mrs. Gimlett for their amazing support. They also have been cheered along by a handful of teachers and kind words from their fellow students. Most importantly, they have their parents to thank for rearranging so many activities to fit in this project during the busy time that 5th grade spring can be.
The 5th Grade Sherborn Juniors are Anika Bhaskaran, Caroline Guillette, Maggie Delaney, Caitlin Driscoll, Angie Feng, Kate Hammerness, Hayden Hoffman, Ellie Hyde, Chloe Leger, Katie Murray, Sarah Nicklasson, Leila Saponaro, Niamh Sharpe, Jillian Tierney, and Emma Williams
