OCFSD: Student Work Selected For Heart Of The Harbor Project

Press release from the Oak Creek Franklin Joint School District:

October 26, 2021

Tyler Wenninger had never even been to Port Washington, WI before. But, when his teacher, Scott Subach, offered his class the opportunity to help with a project there he jumped at the chance. And now, a piece of his work will live in the small tourist town for decades to come.

The Heart of the Harbor in Port Washington is a new community gathering spot on Lake Michigan made possible by volunteers and the help of more than $250,000 in donations. As part of the project, Oak Creek High School teacher Scott Subach, who is also a Port Washington Main Street Volunteer, created the website, logo and other branding elements for the project while his student, Tyler, created the signage.

“It’s validating for our curriculum and to our teaching staff,” Subach said. “Having student work selected in such a visible way definitely showcases our goal of making sure our students create career-ready type projects.”

Tyler submitted his signage design along with several other classmates.

“When I first got asked to do the project anyone in the class had a chance to do it. I did not think that mine would get picked,” Wenninger said. “When I learned that my design was going to be used I was super proud of myself and also excited. Every time I see the picture of the sign I just think, ‘wow I did that!’”

“Whatever we do in the classroom we don’t want it to just stay in the classroom. We want to give back to our communities,” Subach said. “When students see other students doing this type of work the engagement level goes up and it raises the stakes in the best way possible. It showcases their talent and pushes them to be their best.”

Tyler’s design features the local history and landmarks surrounding the site. The sign now stands in front of the Heart of the Harbor statue in downtown Port Washington.

“Being part of a project like this can really help me in my future because I'm going to go to college soon for something with computers and having a professional design project already on my resume helps me stand out,” Wenninger said.

In a few weeks, the Heart of Harbor project will be officially unveiled. Hopefully, Tyler can make the trip for the first time and see his hard work in living color.

This press release was produced by the Oak Creek Franklin Joint School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.