KAILUA, ISLAND OF OAHU, Hawaii -- KAILUA--Lanakai Elementary School opened its new art room after a dedication ceremony Dec. 8 to honor the devil dogs and Sailors from Marine Corps Air Facility, MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, who participated in its construction.
The project was made possible through a grant from the Adopt-a-School program.
Service members assisted building tables, painting the walls and ceiling, and resurfacing the floors.
"It was a great feeling to help these kids build the art room," said Staff Sgt. Michael Seiner, training chief for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting. "The Marines who volunteered were very eager to assist.
"They spent a lot of time [here] to complete this project; the majority of their work was completed during their liberty."
Before MCAF constructed the classroom, students had limited space to practice and develop their artistic abilities.
"I was teaching in a cafeteria before the classroom was built," said Connie Deanskin, an art teacher for Lanakai. "There were several distractions in [the cafeteria], and I had a hard time teaching with such limited space."
The adopt-a-school grant not only made the construction possible, but also provided the students with a variety of art supplies.
"I really like the new art room," said Sophie Friedman, a fifth grader at Lanakai. "The Marines are very kind to us, and I am glad we have an art room since we haven't had one for the three years I have been here."