COMMACK SCHOOLS

Second graders at Rolling Hills are leaving their mark on the school by creating artwork.

Visiting environmental artist Tony Valderrama sketched five animals native to Long Island on ceiling tiles in front of the students. As Valderrama worked, he demonstrated how the shapes come together to form the creatures.

The students then had the opportunity to apply their art skills by painting the drawings of a dolphin, eagle, turtle, blue heron and owl with acrylic paint.

The students' artwork will be permanently on display in the ceilings of Rolling Hills.

The animals were selected not only for being indigenous to Long Island, but because they reminded the students of Commack Champion character traits, such as the owl being an example of being knowledgeable.