LHS Junior Katie McElveen stands in front of some of the many student-created paintings for the Windows of Hope Gallery.
Loveland High School junior offers Windows of Hope
Loveland, Ohio – It first began four years ago when a Loveland student started spending time with families at Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House (RMH) – trying to use her gifts as an artist to give others hope.
One of the paintings in the Windows of Hope Gallery
“I began meeting with each family at RMH and asking them what they would like to see outside their window as a source of inspiration and hope while they were staying at RMH,” said Katie McElveen, now a junior at Loveland High School (LHS). “Some families wanted to see a scene from a dream vacation, other families wanted to see a familiar scene from home. I painted whatever scene brought them hope. Donated antique barn windows were used as frames for the paintings.”
At that time nearly 80 families were staying at the House, and McElveen saw great opportunity to involve fellow students at Loveland and students who attend Sycamore to use their creative talents to serve. Windows of Hope was officially born, and now has more than 50 student volunteers who meet every week during the school year. Some students paint and others prepare the windows.On Sunday, Nov. 1, the Ronald McDonald House hosted a reception for the grand opening of the Windows of Hope Gallery – a space dedicated to house the creations of the student-led service learning project.
Students from both LHS and Sycamore had their original paintings on display and available for sponsorship – bringing hope to families caring for critically ill children and helping raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.
“It’s very special when high school students want to get involved with our mission to serve families with critically ill children,” said Tanya Cornejo, RMH development director. “Windows of Hope has brought so much joy to our families and to our House. The paintings are so beautiful! We are grateful to each one of the students who have volunteered their talents to bring hope to our families.”
“This is truly one of the most worthwhile endeavors we at the Sycamore Art Department have ever participated in, “ said Margaret Copfer, Sycamore High School teacher. “We have over 35 paintings in this display.
Students from both LHS and Sycamore had their original paintings on display and available for sponsorship – bringing hope to families caring for critically ill children and helping raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.
