Serving Our Schools

Silent Auction Celebrates Student Artists

PCOE connects with the community to raise money for local art programs

Madison, Dean Middleton, Kent Smith, Maureen Coon

Dean Renée Middleton, Chauncey student Madison Kottyan, VP of Student Affairs Kent Smith and PCOE Asst. Dean Maureen Coon pose with Madison's work of art.

ATHENS, Ohio (Jan. 17, 2007) – “I just came to bid!” Dr. Carl Martin joked as he addressed the crowd filling McCracken lobby at The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education silent auction.

Dr. Martin, the Superintendent of Athens Local Schools, then thanked The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education for "supporting all of us and our schools." Other guest speakers agreed, including PCOE Alum Ohio University President Dr. Roderick McDavis who said, "This is such an exciting initiative for The Patton College to undertake and these young artists are the face of Ohio University's future."

Dean Renée Middleton understands the connection between local students and The Patton College and is the mastermind behind the art display and silent auction.

"The children are the heart of teaching and thus they are the heart of The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education." Dean Middleton said. "We want this auction to encourage our children to keep learning and let them know that our own students are here to support them."

coe junior Lindsay Miller places her bid.

And encourage them it did. Chauncey Elementary student Madison Kottyan replied an enthusiastic "Yea!" when asked if she was excited to be participating in the auction. Her mother, Kerry, explained her feelings on the event, "This is amazing. Madison can't believe her art is hanging on the walls of The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education and we are so proud of her."

Every piece was bid upon and sold during the auction, which raised hundreds of dollars. Those profits will be split between the artists themselves and their local art program.

"There are so many ways to connect with students," Dean Middleton said. "Art is just one of them."

Story and Photos by Katelyn Burkhart

Participating local artist Madison Kottyan and her mom Kerry show off her certificate.