When the Lions Club approached Mrs. Schmitz and asked if she would have one of her art classes clean up the lion water bubbler on Main Street, she jumped at the opportunity. "I like to do projects that better our community," Mrs. Schmitz said.

Ron Holinka, a member of the Lions Club, had originally asked Mrs. Thielman if she would be willing to clean up the lion, but after some thought, Mrs. Thielman suggested that the lion project be given to the art room.

The lion was pulled out of its spot at the park this fall and brought into the art room so that it could be repainted and given some TLC since the paint was faded and peeling. The Lions Club wanted it to be done by spring so it could be installed again in the park. It stands about 4 feet tall.

Mrs. Schmitz had her independent students work on the lion between other projects the students were working on. Seniors McKenzie Thiel, Fanessa Bowe and Sam Noss were the main students who put their time and efforts into the lion.

First the lion had to be sanded down and all the old paint on it had to be removed. This had to be done because otherwise the old paint would chip off, taking the new paint with it. Good weather was required in the sanding process so it took a little longer since the students had to wait for it to be nice outside. After that they painted it with enamel paint and sealed it with a varnish.