Four Gaudet Learning Academy fourth graders are recognized for their collaboration on a poster representing liberty and freedom. Educators said their work is symbolic of the hands-on, fun and engaging learning at the #MiddletownRI school daily.
LETTING LIBERTY SHINE
MIDDLETOWN, RI (JUNE 10, 2025) – Liberty and freedom mean something different to each of us.
Groups of fourth grade students at the Gaudet Learning Academy (GLA) put their ideas on full display recently during a multidisciplinary art and foreign language poster project.
Dozens of submissions featuring a unique take on the Statue of Liberty and other symbols of freedom grace one hallway, while the winning entry was prominently displayed in the main office of the Aquidneck Avenue fourth and fifth grade school.
“I can’t believe we won,” Marley Melón said, who was part of the winning team along with fellow fourth graders Robyn Nilsson, Michael Palermo and Ryan Rickabaugh. “We put a lot of time and thought into it.”
“I’m very proud and surprised we won,” Robyn said. “Every class had a bunch of groups who worked on this and to be picked as the winners is super cool. I can’t believe we did it.”
Gaudet Learning Academy educators said that was exactly the point of the contest — to bring different students together, have them share ideas and put together a fun, dynamic poster.
Every fourth grade student participated in the project, meaning each takes foreign language and art on a regular basis as part of their GLA normal schedule.
School leaders said such events are part of what makes the Learning Academy a special place, helping promote variety and hands-on nature of education as much as possible in each day.
“Art teacher Debra Danis and French teacher Dan Kerloch collaborated to deepen students’ understanding of the Statue of Liberty by integrating visual expression and French language, highlighting the shared cultural history between France and the United States,” GLA Principal Katy Gibbins said. “This is just one of the examples of the outstanding work we see and take part in every here at the Gaudet Learning Academy.”
“We wanted the students to get excited about the idea of liberty and freedom and work together to show what it means with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence coming up next year,” Kerloch said. “These are the kinds of things they’ll remember long after they’ve left fourth grade.”
Asked how their team came up with the idea for their winning entry, the group said it was a team effort.
With Robyn taking the lead and directing her other three teammates about design and style, the quartet began creating a colorful design intended to be eye-catching while covering the project goals.
Lady liberty is featured prominently along with the American flag and a New York City vista in the background. The sun is also shining brightly on the scene with a few clouds mixed in too.
“When we were done, I was impressed with what we came up with,” Ryan said. “Looking at (the poster), it makes me feel happy.”
“We put a lot of time into it and I know we’re all proud we were recognized,” Michael said. “If you look at all of (the posters), everyone did a good job on them.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Liberty
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
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401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov