Walton Central School senior Ella Rhinehart has had a jump-start on her career.
Rhinehart, as part of an independent study for interior design with art teacher Angela Saporito, planned a redesign of the high school faculty room. Once the plan was in place, she worked to obtain the needed supplies through donations, and then completed the redesign in four days in February.
“This was a project where I could leave my mark on Walton,” Rhinehart said, “and it shows the teachers they are appreciated.”
Work included painting the room and accent pieces. She also replaced the table in the room, and added other pieces, like a comfortable chair so teachers will be able to relax. She reupholstered all of the other chairs in the room and designed a new look to a shelving area.
Her goal was to create a space that could be relaxing, comfortable, and rejuvenating for teachers and staff. Her inspiration came from Scandinavian design style, which incorporates neutral colors and warm textures like wood and wool, and warm metals, such as brass and matte black.
“Pinterest is kind of my thing,” she said. “I spend a lot of time on there looking at drawings and housing things. I wanted something peaceful for the teachers.”
Principal Art Loomis said Rhinehart succeeded in her goal.
“We’re happy to be able to give her the opportunity to be able to do something she loves to do, and it also allowed her to show teachers she thinks they are appreciated,” Loomis said. “I hope in future years, faculty and staff can appreciate Ella’s hard work in an area where they can relax and unwind.”
Following high school graduation, Rhinehart plans to attend Messiah University and study three-dimensional design.
