If I could spend a day with George Washington Carver...

Each year I have the honor of hanging and judging fourth grade artwork at George Washington Carver National Monument: http://www.nps.gov/gwca/index.htm For months, park volunteers go into the schools and present the life of Carver, and invite students to participate in the art and essay contest. MSSU teacher education students read and judge the essays, and my MSSU art education majors help me hang and judge the artwork. It's a beautiful museum and park grounds, a little gem out in the sticks. The presentation ceremony is packed full of families each year, and all the kids are beaming with pride that their hard work was acknowledged. I always enjoy saying a few words about the importance of art in the community, and that Carver inspired us with his determination and genius in science and art. What a great program.