Students have been participating in a semester-long art project, NTC AHS Rocks!, that aims to build positive relationships with others and the community while earning credit by completing student leadership activities. Students painted unique designs and positive messages on rocks that will be hidden at Monk Botanical Gardens. The culminating community engagement event will offer the community a free, family-friendly event challenging individuals to find these hand-painted rocks. Support for this project was provided through the Beyond Pencils and Crayons Grant Program of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.

A silent auction featuring hand-painted chairs will also be held at the event. The artwork is part of The Funky Chair Project, a service learning project that allows students to paint wooden chairs, which are displayed and auctioned with all proceeds going to support Monk Botanical Gardens. Students also completed an 18 week class that focused on community issues and organizations before choosing the entity in which profits raised through the project will be donated.

“These projects give students the opportunity to express themselves creatively while connecting to each other and the community,” said Margie Bock, Student Advisor/Work Transition Instructor. “We are honored to be celebrating the Alternative High School’s 30 year anniversary through this unique community event.”

Northcentral Technical College (www.NTC.edu) is north central Wisconsin's premier two-year college of choice and is a resource for all District residents. It provides individuals, organizations and businesses with quality skills training in a wide range of programs designed to build a competitive, technologically advanced workforce in today's rapidly changing global environment. NTC has seven convenient locations including the Wausau central campus, plus regional facilities in Antigo, Medford, Merrill, Phillips, Spencer and Wittenberg.